(CINCINNATI) – ABIGAIL/1702, an exquisite tale of sin and redemption, will receive its world premiere at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. This suspense-filled drama by award-winning playwright Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa begins previews in the Playhouse’s Robert S. Marx Theatre Jan. 19 and continues through Feb. 17.
ABIGAIL/1702 tells the story of “The Crucible’s” Abigail Williams after she stole through Salem’s forest one dark night in search of a new life and new beginning. Ten years have passed since the infamous witch trials, but Abigail still struggles to atone for her sins, the ones history remembers — and darker ones that live in her heart. As she cares for a young sailor on the brink of death, a mysterious stranger from Abigail’s past catches up with her, sending her on one final, suspense-filled quest for redemption.
Playwright Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s plays have been produced across the country. For Marvel Comics, he has written the monthly adventures of The Fantastic Four (Harvey Award, Best New Talent) and The Sensational Spider-man — an experience which helped him when he rewrote the book to the Broadway musical, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. In addition to his playwriting and comic book writing, he also writes for television and film, including the Emmy-nominated HBO series Big Love and Fox’s hit Golden Globe-winning musical series Glee. He is currently working on a musical version of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel “American Psycho,” which is premiering in London next fall, and a new, epic, three-act version of “Dracula” for Dallas Theater Center.
The cast for ABIGAIL/1702 features Stephanie Fieger as Abigail Williams (Ruth Meadow), Nicholas Carriere as John Brown, Ross Bickell as Reverend Parris/Judge Sewell/Man in Gray, Deanne Lorette as Margaret Hale/Ann Foster/Elizabeth Proctor and Ethan Verderber as Thomas.
Playhouse Artistic Director Blake Robison will direct. According to Robison, “It is a play of astounding creativity — imagining the next chapter in the life of this intriguing, iconic character. The theme of redemption is unusual, too. Is that something we can achieve, despite our many flaws and transgressions? Plays about faith, hope and redemption inspire me. Roberto has captured the feel of the period and added his own signature style to the language. It’s a parable of redemption, a ghost story and a moving modern drama — all wrapped in the period trappings of early America.”
The design team for ABIGAIL/1702 includes Set Designer Wilson Chin, Costume Designer Marion Williams, Lighting Designer Matthew Richards and Sound Designer/Composer Matthew M. Nielson.
Prices for ABIGAIL/1702 range from $30 – $70, depending on day and seat location, and are subject to change. Tickets are just $30 for the preview performances at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19; 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22; and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23. Some restrictions apply. The official opening night is Thursday, Jan. 24 at 8 p.m.
Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets to ABIGAIL/1702 are on sale now. For more information, call the Playhouse box office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit http://www.cincyplay.com. Call 513-345-2248 for TDD accessibility.
The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs and complete wheelchair access are available.
The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the tens of thousands of individuals and businesses that give to ArtsWave.
The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Special Performances
Meet the Artists –
- These free programs allow audiences to interact with cast members and others associated with the production following the show.
- 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27
- 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30
- 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10
- 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14
Audio Described Performance
- 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9
Signed Performance
- 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10
Playhouse Perspectives – A free, pre-show lecture series featuring theatre artists and experts. Funding provided by Roderick and Barbara Barr. The featured speaker will be Playhouse Artistic Director and Abigail/1702 Director Blake Robison.Time: Sunday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m.
Dining Options
Karlo’s Bistro at the Playhouse offers full-service dining prior to most evening performances. Dinners include salad, entrée and dessert. Reservations are required by noon on the day of the show. The price is $27. Karlo’s Casual Fare offers busy theatre patrons an alternative light, quick bite prior to the show. Options include salads, sandwiches, soups, pasta and desserts. No reservations are required. Credit cards are now accepted.
Sponsors
- Production Sponsor: Tony Alper
- Recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award
- Additional support provided by the National Endowment for the Arts
- The 2012-2013 Marx Theatre Series is presented by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation
- The 2012 -2013 Robert S. Marx Season Design Sponsor is Macy’s
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