This fall Drayton Entertainment delves into the dramatic world of a well-heeled New York family and the clashing themes of romance, duty and betrayal in the Tony Award-winning play, The Heiress.
It takes up residence at the Playhouse for a three-week engagement, Oct. 7 through 25.
“The Heiress is a vivid and absorbing piece of theatre that has garnered critical acclaim since it first appeared on Broadway in 1947,” said artistic director of Drayton Entertainment Alex Mustakas. “As a film, it also received multiple Academy awards, Golden Globes, and a nomination from the Writers Guild of America for best written American drama. I expect that audiences will truly enjoy this evocative play.”
Based on Henry James’ novel Washington Square, The Heiress takes place in an affluent New York residential square in 1850. The story shines a powerful spotlight on family relationships as it recounts the conflict between a dull but sweet daughter and her brilliant, domineering father.
Catherine is a soft-hearted and painfully shy woman, and the daughter of Dr. Sloper, a tyrannical man who makes no secret of his disappointment in her. When Catherine meets a charming yet penniless suitor her misfortune appears to change. But believing him to be after Catherine’s money alone, her father strongly disapproves of the relationship and when he learns of their plan to elope, Catherine is forced to choose between the desires of the heart and the security of the family fortune.
Bitterly relentless and deeply compelling, The Heiress is a true character study that explores the complete spectrum of the human condition.
Nine outstanding performers have been assembled under the direction of David Latham for the drama, including Tova Smith as the shy and socially awkward Catherine Sloper.
C. David Johnson, whom audiences will recognize from the long-running Canadian television drama Street Legal, is Catherine’s father, the sullen and pretentious Dr. Sloper. Jeffrey Wetsch is Catherine’s enigmatic suitor, Morris Townsend.
Susie Burnett, Michelle Fisk, Sophia Kolinas, Brendan Rowland, Jane Spence, and Jane Spidell add distinct personality to of each of the supporting characters in the tale.
“The underlying struggle between love and obligation resonates with everyone and you can’t help being drawn in by the dynamic characters on stage,” said Mustakas. “When the word gets out about this incredible play, theatergoers will not want to miss it.”
The Heiress media sponsors are 101.7FM The One and The Wellington Advertiser.
Tickets can ordered by calling the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse box office at 519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-888-449-4463. For more information about the productions this fall in St. Jacobs and Drayton, visit www.draytonentertainment.com.
