Theatre in the Woods will present three of British writer Alan Bennett's award winning solo pieces Talking Heads Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28 in 7:30 performances and again Sunday, January 29, 2006 at 2:00 p.m.
"As much as I admire Bennett's writing, what I am most excited about is the casting of three extraordinary actresses," states Carolyn Burnett, director of the production. Margaret Olsgard, well known locally will bring to life A Woman of No Importance. "This character exhibits an unappreciated form of courage as she chooses to rise above the absurdity of an arguably ignominious life.
Jan Lee, Artistic Director of StageNorth in Washburn, has previously entertained TITW audiences with her own one woman show, as well as in Broadway! with David Oliver. Jan says her character Susan, the Vicar's wife, in Bed Among the Lentils is "so devastatingly funny and sad at the same time."
Julie Ahasay, remembered for her sterling performance here in Shirley Valentine two seasons ago, loves the acting challenge of speaking directly to the audience, free of most theatrical artifice. Her character in A Lady of Letters finds new freedom, even as she pays a price for being a busy body.
The term "talking heads" refers to a style of television show in which commentators simply sit and talk to (or at) one another. In Alan Bennett's writing, he inverts the form and presents lively portraits of ordinary people. "So we take the title with a grain of salt", says Burnett. "In the jargon of today, 'trust me', this will be an evening of entertainment too good to miss."
Talking Heads will take place at the Erika Quam Memorial Theater, 605 1st. Street, Shell Lake. Admission is $8.00, with a Senior Sunday Special of $7.00. Reservations may be made by calling 468-4387.
