One night in the lives of two unlikely sweethearts will be presented by Lee Theatre, beginning Friday, Sept. 28, in the Buzz Oates Black Box Theatre on the Lee University campus in Cleveland, Tennessee.
The setting for "Talley's Folly," a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Lanford Wilson, is a deserted Victorian boathouse on the Talley farm on the Fourth of July.
"This play is a beautiful exploration of two hurting people who find one another despite challenges," says Dr. Christine Williams, associate professor of theatre.
"Talley's Folly," directed by Lee student Anna Marie Brendel, is set in Lebanon, Missouri, in 1944. It follows the love story of Matt Friedman, an accountant from St. Louis, who has arrived in Lebanon to plead his love to Sally Talley, who rebuffs his affections for fear of her family's disapproval of their union.
Brendel is senior double majoring in theatre and music.
"This play is unlike any play I've encountered up to this point, both in format and in subject matter," says Brendel. "It deals so beautifully with such poignant content all the while dancing around a love story between two people who believe themselves unlovable. There's a charming familiarity in the shared experiences of these characters, which I'm sure will move the hearts of our audiences."
Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday-Saturday, Sept. 28-29, and Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 4-6.
Tickets are available at the Box Office in the Communication Arts Building Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m., and one hour before curtain time. Tickets are $10 adults, $7 children, senior adults and students. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.showclix.com/.
"This is a charming and moving evening of theater," says Williams. "Anna Marie has impressed us with her work on our stage for several years, and she has proven herself to be a strong director."
Lee Theatre recommends "Talley's Folly" for ages 12 and up. No babes in arms.
For more information: www.leeuniversity.edu/theatre.