The Attic Ensemble, theater for a new Jersey City, presents the fourth and final production of its fortieth season: “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling, directed by Brendan P. Applegate.
The production features Jersey City residents Meridith Jones and Mary Ann Murphy; Hoboken resident Alex Finger, and Bloomfield resident and Bayonne native Christine Orzepowski. Staten Island residents Erin Flanagan Lind, and Karen O’Donnell are also featured.
Christine Orzepowski, a Holy Family alumnus formerly of Bayonne, is one of the founding members of the Attic Ensemble, which is celebrating its fortieth anniversary with a gala fundraiser in early June. Ms. Orzepowski returned home to the Attic Ensemble over the past few years, having appeared in several productions, including “Nunsense” and “The Bad Seed.”
“Steel Magnolias’” story is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, La., where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the various ladies of the parish.
Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy in the second act. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength – and love – which give the play and its characters the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.
The Attic Ensemble is located just two blocks from the Grove Street PATH Station, in the Historic Barrow Mansion, 83 Wayne St., Jersey City. Performances are April 29 through May 8, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. and Thursday May 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 general admission, $15 for students and seniors. Group rates are also available. The final performance is on Mother’s Day, a perfect gift for Mom!
Tickets can be charged online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/124943. Cash and checks only are accepted at the box office/reserve tickets at www.atticensemble.org. Jersey Arts Cards are accepted for discounted ticket pricing.
The Barrow Mansion is handicapped accessible and barrier free. Large print program available upon request; please call one week in advance to arrange for a large print program.
Assisted listening devices will be available for the Thursday May 5 performance. Please call one week in advance to request a device.
There is free parking after 7 p.m. in the parking lot 1 ½ blocks away on Christopher Columbus Drive. For directions and further information: www.atticensemble.org; phone (201) 413-9200, e-mail: info@atticensemble.org.
The Attic Ensemble presents Robert Harling’s ‘Steel Magnolias’
