Quintessence Closes Its Season with Shaw and Moliere

The following is a press release from Quintessence.

Quintessence Theatre Group finishes its third season with the Chocolate & Champagne Repertory: Shaw’s ARMS AND THE MAN in rotation with Martin Crimp’s adaptation of Molière’s THE MISANTHROPE, directed by Alexander Burns.  ARMS AND THE MAN will begin previews on Wednesday, April 17 at 7pm and open on Saturday, April 20 at 8pm.  THE MISANTHROPE will begin previews on Wednesday, April 17 at 7pm and open on Saturday, April 20 at 8pm. All performances are at the Sedgwick Theater, 7137 Germantown Ave in Mt Airy, Philadelphia, 19119. To purchase tickets, visit www.QuintessenceTheatre.org or call 1.877.238.5596.

ARMS AND THE MAN by George Bernard Shaw

April 17 – May 25, 2013; Opening Night: April 20, 2013

A hired gun in the Serbo-Bulgarian War receives unforeseen kindness when he takes cover in a Bulgarian lady’s bedroom. Once the fighting is over, he comes back to return the favor, ignoring the fact that she’s engaged to another war hero. A romantic comedy of class-crossed lovers, Shaw’s ARMS AND THE MAN argues the dangers of idealism, honor, and pride in both love and war.  

THE MISANTHROPE by Molière, Adapted by Martin Crimp

April 24 – May 26, 2013; Opening Night: May 4, 2013

A celebrated playwright uses his acerbic wit and scathing critiques to unleash his discontent at humanity. Unsettled by his movie actress girlfriend’s continued flirtation with other men, he suggests running away and starting a new life free from the superficiality, hypocrisy, and immorality of modern society. Celebrated British playwright Martin Crimp (ATTEMPTS ON HER LIFE, THE COUNTRY, IN THE REPUBLIC OF HAPPINESS) moves Molière’s social satire from 17^th century France to 21^st century London, sharpening the bite of one of the world’s most controversial and humorous playwrights.

As Quintessence Theatre Group works to establish a resident repertory ensemble, Quintessence regulars Khris Davis and John Williams will lead this nine actor repertory ensemble. Mr. Davis, who played the title role in Quintessence’s acclaimed OTHELLO this past fall, Haemon in ANTIGONE, and Lorenzo in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, will play Bluntschli in ARMS AND THE MAN.  Mr. Williams, previously seen as the Prologue in ANTIGONE and Sganarelle in DON JUAN, will play the title role in THE MISANTHROPE.  Quintessence also welcomes back ensemble favorites Sean Close (Roderigo in OTHELLO) and Daniel Fredrick (the titular role in THE DIARY OF A MADMAN, Cassio in OTHELLO).

They are joined by Mattie Hawkinson* in her Quintessence and Philadelphia debut as Louka in ARMS AND THE MAN and American film actress Jennifer in THE MISANTHROPE. Also making their Quintessence debuts are Christopher Burke* (as Sergius and Julian), Sonja Field (as Raina and Ellen), and Philadelphia favorites Ames Adamson* (as Major Petkoff and Alex) and Kittson O’Neill* (as Catherine and Marcia).

The artistic team includes costume designer Jane Casanave, lighting designer David Sexton, dialect coach Hazel Bowers, and SAFD Fight Master Ian Rose. 

Quintessence Theatre Group is a professional classical theatre, dedicated to the performance and adaptation of epic works of classic literature and drama for the contemporary stage, which ignites the mind, body and soul through the power of the actor, design and spoken word.

Quintessence continues to work towards the establishment of an acting ensemble and a rotating repertory at the historic Sedgwick Theater in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia. As Quintessence Theatre’s home, the Sedgwick Theater, a 1928 art deco movie palace designed by William Lee, will regain its place as a jewel in Philadelphia’s cultural landscape.

ARMS AND THE MAN plays April 17 – May 25. A special PAY WHAT YOU CAN preview will be presented on Wednesday, April 17 at 7:00pm. A post-show discussion with the cast and director will take place on Thursday, May 9.  THE MISANTHROPE plays April 24 – May 26. A special PAY WHAT YOU CAN preview will be presented on Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00pm. A post-show discussion with the cast and director will take place on Thursday, May 16.

Performances take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. For a repertory performance schedule see the last page or visit www.QuintessenceTheatre.org.

Tickets are $30, $20 for seniors (65 and over), $15 for youth (25 and under). There are $10 industry and student rush tickets available at the box office one hour before the performance pending availability. To purchase tickets, visit www.QuintessenceTheatre.org or call 1.877.238.5596 begin_of_the_skype_highlightingend_of_the_skype_highlighting. For information on any of the performances or above events please email BoxOffice@QuintessenceTheatre.org.