Theater: The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-th-Moon Marigolds

Description

The Page-to-Stage reader’s theater series continues with “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds,” written by Paul Zindel and directed by Joanna Mechaley. This play focuses on a frowzy, acid-tongued mother who wreaks petty vengeance on everyone around her, including her two daughters. However, her youngest daughter exhibits an intuitive gift for science and proves that something beautiful and full of promise can emerge from even the most barren, afflicted soil.

Reader’s theater is a unique experience for audiences. In a typical theater experience, the audience is invited into the scene; but during a reader’s theater production the audience is invited into the story. Stripping a script to its barest bones–the dialogue–really pushes both actors and directors to focus their energy on developing rich characters that keep the plot moving forward without reliance on props and sets. This undertaking emphasizes the power of the words.

Each show will be followed by a meet and greet with the cast, providing the audience with a unique opportunity to socialize with the performers and crew. Coffee and cookies will be provided.

“Page to Stage: A Readers Theater Experience” will run at the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center every weekend in May with performances on Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. Admission is $5 at the door.