Opens Friday, September 11th, 2009 at 8pm.
Can one be opportunistic in a time of universal selflessness?
The Strand Theater is proud to present The Mercy Seat by Neil LaBute as the first production of its 2009-2010 season. The Strand Theater has occupied space in the Station North Arts District for one year. In the Strand’s short tenure, it has proven itself as a theater willing to take risks. Only producing new works its first season, the Strand’s second season includes a mix of both published and unpublished works. The Strand has orchestrated a season rich with women’s voices. Three of the four plays produced are written by women and highlight the female perspective. “This season we are putting it all on the line. We want to give Baltimore a reason to see theater, and this season is creative, relatable, and risky,” states Artistic Director, Jayme Kilburn.
The Mercy Seat is a 2002 play by Neil LaBute that was among the first major theatrical responses to the September 11, 2001 attacks. Set on September 12, the play concerns Ben (Schreiber), a man who worked at the World Trade Center but was away from the office during the attack with his mistress Abby, who is also his boss. Expecting that his family believes that he was killed in the towers' collapse, Ben contemplates using the tragedy to run away and start a new life with his lover. The Mercy Seat continues Neil LaBute’s unflinching fascination with the often-brutal realities of the war between the sexes. In a time of national tragedy, a man and a woman explore the choices now available to them in an existence different from the one they had lived just the day before.
The Mercy Seat is directed by Danielle Young who is a recent graduate of Frostburg State University and Strand Theater Company Member. Danielle is joined by Lighting Designer and Stage Manager, Alec Lawson, who is a staple at Run of the Mill Theater. Kasey Arnold, who plays the role of Abby Prescott, is making her Baltimore debut after graduating from Christopher Newport University. R. Brett Rohrer stars as Ben Harcourt; this is Brett’s third production with the Strand Theater. Brett has also been seen at Spotlighter’s Theater, Heritage Theater, and Laurel Mill Playhouse, where he served as Board President for two years.
The Mercy Seat opens Friday, September 11th, 2009 at 8pm. The Baltimore debut of The Mercy Seat by Neil LaBute begins with a reception prior to the performance with refreshments donated by Joe Squared and Tapas Teatro. Following the performance, a talk back will take place with the cast and crew of The Mercy Seat. The Mercy Seat runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until October 4th.
Production dates:
Thursday, September 10th at 8pm ($5 Preview Night)
Friday, September 11th, 18th, 25th, and October 2nd at 8pm
Saturday, September 12th, 19th, 26th, and October 3rd at 8pm
Sunday, September 13th, 20th, 27th, and October 4th at 2pm
Tickets are $15. Students, Seniors, and Broke are $10. Tickets can be reserved by calling 443-874-4917 or by clicking TICKETS. Enter online code: BROKE to receive discount. Tickets are available one hour prior to each performance at the Strand box office.
The Strand Theater is a community theater dedicated to providing opportunities for women artists, writers, designers and directors. With a focus on producing original works, the Strand hopes to foster a love of theater for a new generation of patrons.
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