THE WAKE OF JAMEY FOSTER

By Arlene McKanic/Greenwich Village Gazette

Connection Theatre Company presents THE WAKE OF JAMEY FOSTER, a Black Comedy about Regrets, Failed Chances and Blueberry Pie People get deader and deader each day they live. So says one of the characters after a few belts of gin in the revival of Beth Henley’s THE WAKE OF JAMEY FOSTER. Directed by Christopher Presley and presented by Connection Theatre Company, the show will begin performances at the Alternative Space at the Cherry Lane Theatre beginning November 12th.

When Jamey Foster dies, from complications after being kicked in the head by a cow, his extended (and somewhat dysfunctional) family gathers to bid him farewell. However it soon becomes apparent that those present are mourning themselves more than the departed, using Jamey’s passing as an excuse to bemoan their own wasted lives while sharing regrets, swapping tales of woe and grabbing for a fleeting chance at happiness while Jamey keeps a watchful eye on things from his coffin in the parlor.

Although set in Mississippi in the early 1980s, the issues plaguing the characters in THE WAKE OF JAMEY FOSTER are universal and ones we can all relate to. There’s the woman trapped in an unhappy marriage, the well-off brother who finds himself second best to his n'er-do-well sibling in his mother’s eyes and the freewheeling sister who’s lived life on her own terms, yet finally comes to realize just how alone she is. Adding to the overall tension are several other characters who have been beaten down by life, be it by fire or by exploding pigs, and who are just trying to survive the best way they can (although having the same taste in soda pop is not necessarily the best thing on which to base a relationship).

In the center of this maelstrom is Marshael, Jamey’s widow and a woman who mourns more than her husband’s passing. But amidst all the turmoil of the wake and upcoming funeral, there’s a chance for something new to emerge out of the bleak picture that’s presented, if those involved will take the time to let it bloom.

This presentation of THE WAKE OF JAMEY FOSTER marks the show’s first New York revival since it premiered on Broadway in 1982.

Director Christopher Presley has helped to develop and direct many new works including The Bradleys for Epic Rep, The Moon Canister by Ben Rosenthal, Peggy Lee on the Midway for WaterTower Theatre and Couples for p.s. NBC at HERE. Other New York directing credits include Godspell, Lulu, Edward II, Blood Wedding, Dutchman, and Menotti’s opera The Medium. A member of the Actors Studio, Chris trained with Miss Saigon’s work-experience program in London’s West End and as an SDCF Observer on A View from the Bridge at The Roundabout Theatre Company.

Currently in its third season, Connection Theatre Company was founded in order to provide professional actors, writers, directors and designers the opportunity to grow in their craft. The company’s mission is to create a theatrical experience that connects the words of the playwright to the hearts and minds of the audience and to produce both existing and original plays that manifest the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit. Connection is a believer in non-traditional casting (which can be seen in THE WAKE OF JAMEY FOSTER) as they believe talent is the most essential element for achieving vital theatre. Previous Connection productions include A Taste of Honey, LOVE'eM or LEAVE'eM and the New York premiere of The Manager.

The cast of THE WAKE OF JAMEY FOSTER features Jay Charan, Vince Phillip, Lisa Stump Pine, Tracey Silver, Anna Van Etten, Paul Van Etten and Ashley Wilkerson.

Running through November 24th, THE WAKE OF JAMEY FOSTER will be performed at the Alternative Space at the Cherry Lane Theatre, 38 Commerce Street (two blocks west of 7th Avenue, between Bedford & Hudson Streets). Show times are Tuesday-Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm & 7pm, Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $15.00. Reservations: 212-206-1515 or www.smarttix.com. For additional information, go to www.connectiontheatrecompany.com. This is an Equity Approved Showcase.

In THE WAKE OF JAMEY FOSTER author Beth Henley paints a picture of dreams that have died, the desolation of life and the resiliency of the human spirit. Most of all, there’s the realization that when the object of your anger is no longer among the living, it’s a fight you just can’t win, so you better move on - for your own sake.

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INFORMATION FOR LISTING EDITORS

WHAT:

The Wake of Jamey Foster
by Beth Henley
directed by Christopher Presley
presented by the Connection Theatre Company

WHERE:

The Alternative Space at the Cherry Lane Theatre
38 Commerce Street
(two blocks west of 7th Avenue, between Bedford and Hudson Streets)

SHOW SYNOPSIS:

After Jamey Foster’s untimely demise, his extended and somewhat dysfunctional family convenes to mourn his passing, a gathering that reveals broken dreams, wasted lives, exploding pigs and the resiliency of the human spirit in the revival of this 1982 black comedy.

An Equity Approved Showcase

WHEN:

November 12th - November 24th
Tuesday-Friday at 7pm
Saturday at 2pm & 7pm
Sunday at 2pm

TICKETS:

$15.00
TDF Vouchers Accepted

RESERVATIONS:

212-206-1515 or www.smarttix.com 

ADDITIONAL INFO:

www.connectiontheatrecompany.com 

SUBWAY INFO:

Take the 1 or the 9 trains on the 7th Avenue line to Christopher Street

amckanic@aol.com