The Heiress Befalls the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis  

Memphis, TN – The Heiress opens October 17, 2014 and runs through November 2, 2014 on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis. A timeless story of New York society and status by Ruth and Augustus Goetz, the cost of love in this story focuses on Catherine Sloper, a shy, withdrawn young woman living under the tyranny of her father. Conflict comes as she is suddenly exposed to a world of hope by a handsome young suitor, Morris Townsend.  Is it true love? Can the suitor triumph for love nor money? It comes to light that heartache has a long memory.

Tony Isbell directs the production that reunites him and actress Christina Wellford Scott from a previous Theatre Memphis production of The Heiress in 1986 … only in different roles. In the former production Isbell played the aggressive gentleman caller that seduces Catherine and Scott played Catherine. In this show with Isbell at the helm staging, Scott portrays Mrs. Almond, the eccentric aunt. The dynamic of taking on the different roles brings a perspective to their parts that can elevate the audience experience. “In ’86, I was fortunate enough to play Morris Townsend,” Isbell says. “This was actually my first Main Stage (Lohrey Stage) role at TM. That’s one reason this play has always held a special place in my heart.” He continues, “Christina brings a thorough understanding of the entire play and especially the plight of Catherine Sloper. She is able to use her understanding to deepen her portrayal of Catherine’s aunt.”

The other members leading the cast are Michelle Miklosey as the title character, Cartherine Sloper, Barclay Roberts as her father and Evan McCarley as Morris Townsend, the suitor in question. Rounding out the cast is Ann Sharp, Chelsea Robinson, Jarrod B.Taylor, Bussy Gower and Andria Wilson. Miklosey is experiencing her first time on the TM stage, or any other in Memphis. Isbell revealed, “From the moment of her first reading, I knew there was something about this young woman. She seemed to have an intuitive grasp of the character that came through everything she said and did.”

Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch says The Heiress is an example of what Theatre Memphis embodies. “Not only is this a story that has proven over time to be popular with audiences and is completely in accord with the variety we seek for our patrons, but we love this kind of production because of the set and costume opportunities and the good roles for women.” She continues, “To have the likes of Tony and Christina to be engaged in a production in which they played such critical roles some time ago, to come back and challenge themselves and their peers to elevate the show to the Theatre Memphis standards is a tribute to what TM has stood for over the past 96 years.” ###  

TITLE: The Heiress

WRITTEN BY:  Ruth and Augustus Goetz

DIRECTOR: Tony Isbell 

VENUE AND ADDRESS: Theatre Memphis on the Lohrey Stage, 630 Perkins Ext, Memphis, TN, 38117

RUN DATES: October 17 – November 2, 2014

TIMES OF SHOWS: Thursdays @ 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm with matinees @ 2pm on Sundays

TICKETS: $25adults, $15 students with valid ID

BOX OFFICE: 901.682.8323 WEB: www.theatrememphis.org

SPONSORED BY: First Tennessee Foundation