Aunt Jack, presented July 20 and 28 at 7:30 pm: In S.P. Monahan’s screwball comedy, Norman’s grown a little distant lately. After a sudden series of anxiety attacks, he broke up with his long-time boyfriend Ian and moved clear across the country, leaving his fathers George and Jack in a tizzy. With George – a prominent gay activist – in failing health, Norman has returned home to make things right and to introduce them to his new partner, Andy. Let’s just say she’s not what they expected….. Directed by Gene Heinrich (St. Albans), featuring Randolph resident Jeff Tolbert in the title role, plus Tristan Goding (Rochester), Susan Loynd (Fayston), Joshua Huffman (Randolph), Nimue Washburn (Rochester), and Bob Carmody (Charlotte).
A Perfect Fit, presented July 21 and 29 at 7:30 pm: Lia Romeo's story of Nicole, a college sophomore involved in her first lesbian relationship, and her mother Janet. Nicole's exploration of her sexuality has caused her mother to begin questioning her own marriage and her own assumptions. A Perfect Fit asks what it takes to be happy as a woman in the 21st century. Directed by Cher Laston (Williamstown), with a cast of Leah Romano (Norwich), Marissa Mattogno (Williamstown), Rae Merrill (Brookfield), Lindsay Stratton (Hanover, NH), and Andra Kisler (Northfield).
Bright Half Life, presented July 22 and 27: Taking place over a 45-year period, this play movingly explores the stages of a relationship between two lesbians. In a non-linear way, the audience comes to understand how the women met, why they married, how they lived as a couple, and how their marriage came to end in divorce. The New Yorker described it as “a well-written, engaging portrayal of smart women finding themselves, and each other.” Written by Tanya Barfield and directed by Kim Ward (Montpelier), whose cast consists of Carly Bennet (Burlington) and Fabienne Nadeau (Milton).
Wednesday July 25th, 7:00 PM: free 25th-anniversary showing of Jonathan Demme's Oscar-winning Philadelphia, donations accepted to Vermont CARES and the HIV/HCV Resource Center
Acclaimed visual artist Gabriel Q. will exhibit his puppets, masks, and costumes throughout the festival period. A pre-film reception for this exhibit will take place on Wednesday the 25th.
General admission: adults: $20 in advance, $22 at the door, 3 play pass $50 advance, $55 at the door; students (up to age 18) $15 in advance, $17 at the door, 3 play pass $35.
Advance-priced tickets are on sale now at www.chandler-arts.org, with a small convenience fee added. Starting July 9th, tickets may also be purchased at the ticketing phone, (802) 728-6464.
United States