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shy, withdrawn young woman living under the tyranny of her father.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