
The cast and crew of “Private Lives” have enjoyed producing this british comedy. Marjorie Gast, who shines in the role of Amanda, opposite Andrew Bradford Benson’s Elyot, has loved every minute of the process. “The thrill of portraying such a beautifully vibrant, witty, and adventurous character has been a delightful challenge,” said Gast. The quick changes of love and hate between the reacquainted couple resonate with audiences and provide uniquely passionate characters for the actors to explore. Elizabeth Albers, Festival Theatre’s Arts Education Coordinator, plays Sibyl, Elyot’s new wife, in the production. “Her brain operates in a completely different way than mine. She is one of the most honest and emotionally available characters I have ever played,” Commented Albers. “This cast has been great to work, they all make me laugh everyday,” Albers continued. “We have so much fun telling this hilarious story and I feel lucky to be working alongside these professional artists.”
There are only three performances left of Noel Coward’s “Private Lives” at Festival Theatre, Thursday, August 4th at 7:30 PM, Saturday, August 13th at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, August 21st at 2:00 PM. Performances take place at the Franklin Square Black Box, and seating is limited, so patrons are encouraged to order tickets in advance. The Box Office can be found online at FestivalTheatre.org, by calling (715)483-3387 or by stopping by the Franklin Square Black Box in Downtown St. Croix Falls.
In addition to these few remaining shows in Festival’s summer season, Festival Theatre will hold its fifth annual One-Act Play reading on Wednesday, August 10th at 7:30 PM. A one-time only event, this is the culmination of Festival’s fifth annual One-Act Play contest. This year, three plays have been selected for reading. The plays, original submissions by playwrights with origins in, or ties to, Wisconsin and Minnesota, were selected based upon originality, quality of plot and dialogue, and creativity. At the reading, first, second and third place winners will be chosen by the reading committee and the impressions of audience members in attendance at the reading.
The three plays cover a broad range of subject matter. This year the finalists are “After the Bows,” “Twenty Minutes,” and “Until They Forget.” This annual event always proves to be an interesting and engaging evening at Festival Theatre. Tickets are $10 and seating is limited, reservations can be made online at FestivalTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at(715)483-3387.