The Boulevard Ensemble Studio Theatre, located at 2252 South Kinnickinnic,celebrates 25 years of staging dynamic, eclectic theatre when its 25th Silver Anniversary season continues with the Milwaukee premiere of acclaimed New York playwright Gina Gionfriddo's cracked comic valentine "Becky Shaw" (Wednesday, February 16th through March 20th, 2011 / 13 performances / 5 weeks). Call 414. 744.5757 for more information to make reservations.
This hard-edged comedy with a softhearted center tells the tale of a young couple (Suzanna and Andrew) who set up two friends (Becky and Max) on a blind date. This "good intention" paves the way for a "hellish" uproar for their marriage and rocks the lives of both couples. A mother from Hades (Susan) completes thecomic quintet.
Acclaimed Milwaukee actress Anne Miller appears in the pivotal role of "Suzanna," a newlywed bride who must "grow up" quickly to save her imperiled marriage to her "rescuer" groom, "Andrew," who is played by noted spoken-word artist Nigel Wade (making his Boulevard debut).
Complicating their marriage is a pair of social misfits: Suzanna's sarcastic adopted brother "Max" (noted local actor Joe Fransee) and Andrew's lonely co-worker, "Becky" (the sprightly Rachel Lewandowski, appearing in the title role). Completing this comic quartet is the delightful actress Christine Lathrop Horgen, who appears as "Susan," the "Mama with the drama."
This Midwest premiere is directed by noted Milwaukee actor & performerDavid Flores, whose work is well-known to Milwaukee audiences. Mr. Flores has performed extensively in the Milwaukee area with many theater, music, and dance companies including Boulevard Ensemble, Chamber Theater, Cornerstone Theater, Milwaukee Shakespeare, Off The Wall Productions, Windfall Theater, Florentine Opera, and Wildspace Dance. He appeared previously at the Skylight in PIRATES OF PENZANCE (this season) and ANYTHING GOES (2004) on the main stage and BROADWAY, BOLERO, AND BEYOND in the cabaret. Other credits include TARTUFFE (Tartuffe), THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Shylock), UNCLE VANYA (Vanya), MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (Charley Kringas), CABARET (Emcee), and KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN (Molina).
Production artists Mark Bucher (producer/production stage manager), Anne Blust & Donald Madden (co-stage managers) round out a talented ensemble for this sharply humorous valentine that is perfect to greet Milwaukee's slow-approaching Spring (the proposed performance schedule follows later in this release). Graphic designer Jason Krukowski and photographer Troy Freundalso contribute their talents to this production.
SPECIAL NEWS!:
Boulevard thanks supporters with "open dress" rehearsals:
Boulevard celebrates its 25th Anniversary season's recent successes { smash hits like August's FOURPLAY and November's THE SAVANNAH DISPUTATION as well as our successful annual appeal OLD DOGS NEED LOVE, TOO! } and "hearts" its subscribers, donors, and volunteers by opening Becky Shaw'S final dress rehearsals to their wonderful supporters {Saturday, February 12th , Sunday, February 13th, and Monday, February 14th (Valentine's Day) }.
