OAKHURST – The Golden Chain Theatre (GCT) is preparing for the world premiere of an emotional World War II drama written and directed by a California man who will be present in the audience on opening night.
“The Wardrobe” features the talented daughter-mother team of Lyric Piccolotti and Jennifer Piccolotti, and is directed by GTC regular James Mierkey.
GTC is one of the area’s richest treasures, and in recent seasons has become something more: an important theater able to produce quality shows that belie the company’s size and budget, and in a host of genres, as well.
This week, GTC debuts “The Wardrobe,” starting Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. and running on Fridays, Saturdays and matinee Sundays through May 17. Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. The author is William Strubbe, who is expected to be seated at the historic theater when the curtain rises for the first night’s show.
“The Wardrobe” is set during the Nazi occupation of Poland. Strubbe has crafted a World War II drama in which Elena, a young fugitive from the Warsaw ghetto, seeks a safe haven from Nazi persecution. Polish police arrange for Elena to stay with Magda, a God-fearing Catholic woman. Their relationship grows and deepens as the strain of the occupation continues, while dwindling food supplies, the burning of the Jewish ghetto, and the Warsaw uprising press upon the family.
The show’s cast has Lyric Piccolotti and Jennifer Piccolotti in the roles of Elena and Magda, with Keith Treadway as the policeman. The cast includes George Rich, Sage Brock, Stephanie Brock, and Judy Weiss.
Director Mierkey has created a multi-media addition to the show, said to weave haunting music and war-era documentary footage throughout. Organizers say “this production is sure to leave you moved and thinking.”
What more could be asked?
The show is rated PG due to mild language and theme. Cast photo by Steve Montalto.
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Tickets are available at www.goldenchaintheatre.or
