On October 1, Harlequin Productions opens Recent Tragic Events, a smart, insightful comedy about a blind date on the day after 9/11. Penned by Craig Wright, Emmy-nominated writer for such shows as Six Feet Under and Lost, the play runs through October 24 at the State Theater in downtown Olympia.
The five-person cast includes several recognizable names from previous Harlequin shows: Leah Scofield, last seen in The Stardust Christmas Commotion, and Mark Alford, Christian Doyle, and Maggie Ferguson-Wagstaffe, all three of whom were last seen in Laughter on the 23rd Floor. The show also features Harlequin newcomer Eleise Moore.
When Andrew (Alford) arrives at Waverly’s (Scofield) apartment for a blind date on September 12, 2001, the two are startled to discover a bizarre string of coincidences that seems to connect them. As Waverly tries to reach her identical twin sister – who may or may not have been in one of the Towers – their evening is further complicated by visits from her crazed-musician neighbor, Ron (Doyle), his oddly-silent girlfriend, Nancy (Ferguson-Wagstaffe), and Waverly’s great aunt, Joyce Carol Oates – played by a sock puppet.
“The play is absolutely hilarious,” said the show’s Director and Harlequin Managing Artistic Director Scot Whitney. “It’s an unconventional theater experience that combines whimsically hysterical comedy with a powerful dramatic punch to create a rare kind of theatrical magic.”
WHO: Harlequin Productions
WHAT: Recent Tragic Events
WHEN: October 1-October 24, 2015; Thursdays-Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sunday matinees at 2:00pm
WHERE: The Historic State Theater – 202 4th Avenue East, Downtown Olympia 98501
PRICE: General: $32, Senior/Military: $29, Student/Youth: $20
Rush tickets available at Box Office ½ hour before curtain
SPECIALS: Post-Show Talkback: October 2, Pay What You Can Night: October 7, Ladies’ Night Out: October 9, Pride Night: October 16
TICKETS: Tickets and info available at harlequinproductions.org or by calling 360/786-0151
NOTE: Contains mature language
Harlequin Productions is a professional not-for-profit theater company in Olympia, WA, dedicated to the creation of stimulating and enriching theatrical experiences by producing an eclectic season of new works, “buried treasures,” and unconventional treatments of classics. Through a dynamic selection of extraordinary material, we explore the human adventure in search of theatrical magic that stretches the mind, nourishes the soul, and inspires human empathy.
For more information, photos, or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Mark Alford, Development Manager
360/705-3250 x104 or mark@harlequinproductions.org
