season3
ONSTAGE October 25 - November 4, 2007
Poe & All That Jazz
Written & directed by Peter Coy
Featuring Jon Cobb as Poe and jazz vocalist Patti Finn, as the women in his life, with pianist Bob Bennetta, and bassist Jim Ryan.
An intriguing glimpse into the tortured psyche of a brilliantly creative man and the women who inspired him.Come hear the poetry and stories of Edgar Allan Poe, the music of Johnny Mercer and others, and have a Bloody Elmira while you're at it!
The Hamner also took this production On the Road:
July 12 - 20, 2008 ...AT THE DC FRINGE...
Feb 22 - 24, 2008 ...AT LIVE ARTS...
Scenes from the play :
Performances will be held at
7:30pm Thu. - Sat., Oct. 25, 26, 27
2:00pm on Sun., Oct. 28
7:30pm Tue. - Fri., Oct. 30, 31, Nov. 1, 2
2:00pm on Sat. & Sun., Nov. 3 & 4
All tickets $10. For reservations call 434 361 1999.
Champagne Reception follows Opening Night performance.
Halloween Special - Come in costume for a free Halloween potion!
Who was Edgar Allan Poe and who was Lenore, the rare and radiant maiden about whom croaked the raven "you will clasp her nevermore"? Who could his Lenore have been? And who was Annabelle Lee, the child who danced with him in their kingdom by the sea?
What visions haunted Poe as he sat in the still of the night, his imagination raging? What music flooded his mind night and day, come rain or come shine? Find out in this funny and macabre musical trip through the wonder-filled flights of Poe's life with the women he loved and memorialized. And it's all true!
Patti Finn on Poe & All That Jazz:
Poe and All That Jazz is an original piece written by Peter Coy. It explores the story of Poe's tortured personal life and his connection with the many women of his real and artistic relationships. As there are only two characters, and actor Jon Cobb is Poe, I am...well, I guess I am "All that Jazz". Basically I am all the other characters, including the main figure of Eliza, his mother. whose deathbed "mom"-ories haunt Poe all his life, and who is the main hub around which the play turns. Oh, I also illustrate the action and drive the dramatic tension by breaking out into songs of Johnny Mercer (& others) --there is a jazz combo on stage--musicians Bob Bennetta and Jim Ryan at the piano and bass.
I know what you're thinking. A play about Edgar A. Poe... in a jazz club? Not exactly...well, not at all in fact.
Poe and All That Jazz is a post-modern pastiche, as powerful as a fever dream, or a simoom...(that is one of Poe's fave words--a great tropical wind)....and yet, the story itself is quite touching, too, in its humanity. There is so much more to him than madness.
Remarkably, virtually all the text is taken directly from Poe's life experiences, related correspondence, and of course, his writings, and, Peter's work to synthesize these sources is a singular achievement in itself. Working through " All that Jazz" as an actor, I am surprised by how clearly this play offers the potential for understanding what lies behind the 'misogyny' that is so often immediately associated with Poe's treatment of women characters. The outcome of this process is not at all what I expected.
This piece creates an access to the troubled subconscious mind that is psychologically truthful, associatively rich, humorous and horrifying, yet simultaneously, surprisingly delightful. I know that I never realized the breadth of Poe's influence on writers of prose, his legacy as a source of genre development, his great humor and of course, the thin veil which separated his life and his artistic works.
It is a remarkable play and a production that I am proud to be associated with. - Patti Finn
Patti Finn's Dress by
Hamner Theater graphics by Donegan Design
- 3174 reads
Scratchy Glass
Scratchy Glass
by Doug Grissom
directed by Carol Pedersen
featuring Jonas Collins, Rebecca Hudnall, Lane Rylander
- 364 reads
ONSTAGE February 7 - 17, 2008
You Know I Can't Hear You When the Water's Running
Written by Robert Anderson
Directed by Peter Coy, Boomie Pedersen & Carol Pedersen
Featuring Michael Volpendesta, Mary Coy, Jacquie Harvey, Ryan Wender, Bill Williamson, Jim Johnston, and Susan Burke.
The Shock of Recognition, directed by Peter Coy, with Bill Williamson, Jim Johnston, Ryan Wender and Jacquie Harvey:
The Footsteps of Doves, directed by Boomie Pedersen, with Mary Coy, Michael Volpendesta, Ryan Wender & Jacquie Harvey
I'll Be Home For Christmas, directed by Peter Coy, with Michael Volpendesta, Mary Coy & Jacquie Harvey
I'm Herbert, directed by Carol Pedersen, with Jim Johnston & Susan Burke:
A comic quartet charting the murky waters of relationships, growing up and growing old. Though written in the 1960's, this piece has surprising relevance and is pretty darn funny to boot - it was one of Broadway's most successful comedies!
Performances will be held at
7:30pm Thu. - Sat., Feb. 7 - 9
2:00pm on Sun., Feb. 10
7:30pm Wed. - Sat., Feb. 13 - 16
2:00pm on Sun., Feb. 17
Champagne Reception follows Opening Night performance, Thursday February 7th.
All tickets $10. For reservations call 434 361 1999.
Free Preview, Wed, Feb 6 at 7:30pm.
"This was one of the most successful comedies in Broadway history. The topic is sex, in all its mysterious and fascinating manifestations, and the treatment of this is so skillful, tasteful and explosively funny that the plays are not only captivating and touching but universal in appeal."
From The Playwrights database
Winner of the Tony Award for Best New Play of the Season, this ground-breaking evening of four one-acts was "the first Broadway play that concerned itself seriously and organically with the issue of nudity..." - Alan Schneider, director of the original production
Peter Coy will direct The Shock of Recognition, in which playwright Jack Barnstable (Bill Williamson), and producer Herb Miller (Jim Johnston) discuss just how far is too far. Ryan Wender is the actor facing the test of his dedication, and Jacquie Harvey is Dorothy.
In The Footsteps of Doves, directed by Boomie Pedersen, Harriet & George (Mary Coy & Michael Volpendesta) face a life-changing decision as they shop for a new bed (twins or a double?). Jacquie Harvey, as Jill, helps to settle the debate. Ryan Wender is the salesman.
I'll Be Home For Christmas, directed by Peter Coy, shows a family in transition, as Chuck and his wife Edith (Michael Volpendesta & Mary Coy) deal with their children's sex lives. Jacquie Harvey is their daughter Clarice.
In I'm Herbert, directed by Carol Pedersen, Jim Johnston & Susan Burke play the elderly couple looking back over their past lives & loves, amidst some confusion...
Hamner Theater graphics by Donegan Design
- 2893 reads
ONSTAGE May 23 - June 1, 2008
A Shadow of Honor
Written by Peter Coy
Directed by Boomie Pedersen
Jonas Collins - William Ruffin
Rebecca Hudnall- Caroline Ruffin
Holly Schumann - Grace Ruffin
Jim Johnston - Aubrey Strode
Richard Averitt - Tyler McNeill
Rose Harper - Kathy McNeill
Tickets $10 at the door or by reservation at 434.361.1999
Performances held:
May 23 - 24, Fri - Sat at 7:30pm
May 25, Sun at 2:00pm
May 28 - 31, Wed - Sat at 7:30pm
June 1, Sun at 2:00pm
A Shadow of Honor in the Press:
Hamner Theater hosting historical play, by Erin McGrath, Nelson County Times, 5/28/08
Brendan Fitzgerald talks to Peter Coy in this week's Cville Weekly, 5/27/08
Nelson County Life talks about A Shadow of Honor Go there to hear an interview with playwright Peter Coy.
A 'Shadow of Honor' traces legacy of war, by Jane Norris, in the Daily Progress, 5/22/08.
Century old murder trial brought back to life by Chris Graham, in The Augusta Free Press, 5/05/08.
- Read more
- 2125 reads
ONSTAGE March 19 - 22, 2008
Am I Black Enough, Yet?
Written by Clinton A. Johnston
Directed by George Grant
Featuring Edward Daniels, Patrick M. Doneghy, Matthew Eisenburg, Paige Hernandez and Sonia Justl
and with the technical assistance of Megan Allen (Stage Manager) & David Lamont Wilson (Sound Designer)
January 9 - February 8, 2009
Back by Popular Demand at Theatre on the Run in Arlington
Am I Black Enough Yet?, by Clinton Johnston
“I wanted to create an atmosphere where we could talk about serious issues, where we could examine serious issues and really look at things and pick stuff apart and say, 'Let’s look at this issue of blackness and ask where does it begin and where does it end, and who’s deciding that, and what happens when those decisions are made, and when is it something that propels you forward, and when is it something that holds you back?' But do it in an atmosphere where people are comfortable, where people aren’t threatened so that they’re open to it,” Johnston said. --Augusta Free Press,
Are we brave enough yet?, by Chris Graham, Feb. 20, 2008
Press reaction to Am I Black Enough, Yet?:
From Potomac Stages review by Brad Hathaway, 4/10/08
"simultaneously delightful and thoughtful"
"The strength of this piece is in its language, its humor, its humanity and its generous spirit - not in elaborate sets or visual effects. It is an enjoyably engaging evening without rancor but not without a strong viewpoint."
Everything Turned Black: Charter Theatre's Bold Comic Play
in The Express, from The Washington Post, 4/24/08
dctheatrescene.com review, by Debbie Minter Jackson, 4/20/08.
Or read review here
Washington Post review, 'Black Enough': Tales that get under the skin, by Celia Wren 4/17/08. "...a patchwork of poignant and satirical skits grappling with questions of ethnicity...Johnston's bold tonal shifts add surprise and texture to the piece, which is always thoughtful..."
Performances held at 7:30pm,March 19 - 22, 2008, Wednesday - Saturday
Tickets are $10, on the door or by reservation at 434.361.1999.
Opening Night is SOLD-OUT
"Can you feel it? Can you see it? When do you wanna be it and when break free of it? And after all, what is it? Where does it start ... and where does it end?"
No matter who you are or where you're from, for one night at the Hamner Theater, you get to be African-American. Playwright Clinton A. Johnston takes you on a touching & insightful tour of the state of Blackness in America. This bitingly intelligent play is sometimes funny, always thought provoking. Don't miss it.
Opening Night performance at The Hamner Theater on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 will be followed by a Champagne Reception with members of the cast & crew - Open to all.
Talkback with Playwright Clinton A. Johnston following Saturday performance.
Performances at Charlottesville's Live Arts Tuesday March 18, 2008 at 7 & 10pm, and Friday, March 21, 2008 at 11pm.
Call 434.977.4177 for reservations.
The Hamner Theater gratefully acknowleges the generosity of the C & O Restaurant in sponsoring this production.
Monday, March 17, 2008 at 8:30am: Listen to playwright Clinton Johnston & Hamner Co-Artistic Director Boomie Pedersen on 106.1 The Corner
Hamner Theater will feature "Am I Black Enough Yet?", Daily Progress, 3/14/08
'Am I Black Enough?' to begin Va. tour , by Kevin Kittredge, Roanoke Times 3/09/08 ("receives a standing ovation at Dumas Festival")
Also onstage at Mill Mountain Theatre in Roanoke from March 12 - 16, 2008.
Reservations 540.342.5740.
and at Charter Theatre in Washington DC from April 11 - May 3, 2008.
Reservations 202.333.7009.
More about Am I Black Enough, Yet?
Am I Black Enough, Yet?, a new play by Charlottesville playwright Clinton A. Johnston, will open at the Hamner Theater on Weds., March 19.
In the play, Johnston explores the state of blackness in America. Through the theatrical device of making everyone in the audience "honorary black folk", it opens the door for frank discussion of prejudice, assumption and discrimination. The play aims not only to examine differences, but also to encourage communication and a sense of community.
Johnston originally wrote Am I Black Enough, Yet? as a series of sketches for Charlottesville's No Shame Theater, with the encouragement of Todd Ristau (now of Hollins University) as well as Doug Grissom, head of playwriting at UVA. The play was further developed at the Earl Hamner Playwrights Conference and DC's Charter Theatre. The Hamner Theater & Charter Theatre have joined forces to bring this production of Am I Black Enough, Yet? to Roanoke and Washington, DC, as well as Charlottesville & Nellysford.
Playwright Clinton A. Johnston, a member of the theater faculty at Mary Baldwin College, holds an MFA in Directing from UVA, and has more than a decade of experience acting and directing in local theaters. He directed In the Blood, playing at Live Arts from March 13 - 29, and is currently rehearsing Guys and Dolls for PlayOn! His one-act play Representin', in which he also starred, was part of the Hamner Theater production 6x6 - A Festival of One Acts.
The cast of Am I Black Enough, Yet? includes UVA graduate and Live Arts alum Edward Daniels, as well as Paige Hernandez, Patrick M. Doneghy, Sonia Justl, and Matthew Eisenberg, and is directed by George Grant, Senior Faculty member of the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts and a teaching artist for the Shakespeare Theatre Co.
Am I Black Enough, Yet? promises to be a thoroughly thought-provoking evening of theater. It will play for four shows only at the Hamner Theater from Weds., March 19 through Sat., March 22 at 7:30pm. A champagne reception follows opening night at the Hamner. A talkback with playwright Clinton A. Johnston follows the Saturday, Mar 22 performance. Tickets for all Hamner shows are $10, at the door or by reservation at434-361-1999. For information & directions visit www.hamnertheater.com.
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- 3453 reads
