NEW CLASSICS FOR THE STAGE
Written by Jeffrey Hatcher
Adapted from the novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Blithedale Romance is the utopian story of
young people attempting to establish a “free” society, without distinction by
gender or class. Nathaniel Hawthorne foretold the political idealism of the
1960’s in this tale of passion, love and mystery set among the radical chic of a
19th century commune.
Based on Hawthorne’s experience at the Brook Farm commune, The Blithedale
Romance centers on four main characters – Miles Coverdale, a poet;
Hollingsworth, a gentleman of noble ideals but little cash; Zenobia, a wealthy
writer of some renown; and Priscilla, a timid, seemingly fragile seamstress with
a secret past. Although not as famous today as The Scarlet Letter or The House
of the Seven Gables, it was thought by Hawthorne contemporaries, Henry James and
William Dean Howells, to be his finest work.
Noted playwright Jeffrey Hatcher has been commissioned by The Acting Company to
bring the relevance of Hawthorne’s 1832 story of young people attempting to
change the world, to present time. This dynamic new play based on an American
literary classic is a world premiere presentation.
BLITHEDALE ROMANCE continues The
Acting Company’s efforts of commissioning, developing and
producing new plays based on great American literature. Following powerful and
successful productions of Willa Cather’s O Pioneers!
(2000-01), Mark Twain’s Pudd’nhead Wilson (2001-02), and Studs
Terkel's
American Dreams: Lost and Found (2002-03). Blithedale
brings to the stage the work of one of our most powerful
contemporary American writers. This production will be joined in touring
repertory by one of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpieces,
Richard III.
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Blithedale
Romance