ELEEMOSYNARY COMES TO PHOENIX

Play explores grandmother, mother, daughter relationship

Eleemosynary, a touching, sensitive play by Lee Blessing about the delicate relationships between three extraordinary women, opened Nov. 13 at the Phoenix Theatre. Staged with utmost simplicity, the play probes into the lives of three singular women: the eccentric grandmother, Dorothea, played by Jane Dempsey; her brilliant daughter, Artie (Artemis), played by Sara Topham, who has fled the stifling domination of her mother; and Artie's daughter, Echo, played by Michelle Monleith, a child of exceptional intellect and sensitivity whom Artie has abandoned to an upbringing by Dorothea.

The precocious teenager Echo, played by Michelle Monteith, trys on wings to make her fly.

As Eleemosynary (pronounced ee-leh-moss 'n airy, meaning 'charitable') begins, Dorothea has suffered a stroke, Echo has re-established contact with her mother, and their extended telephone conversations skirt real issues and are mostly about the precocious Echo's single-minded domination of a national spelling contest. But, finally, after Dorothea's death, both Artie and Echo come to accept their mutual need and summon the courage to try, at last, to build a life together after so many years of alienation and estrangement.

Director is John Krich.

The surrealistic setting is designed by Erin Macklen and Allan Stichbury, costumes are by Debra Hanson, lighting is by Cameron Stewart, sound is by Matt Hussack and original music is composed by Robert Holliston. Jennifer Swan is stage manager.

Eleemosynary runs Tuesdays through Saturdays from Nov. 13 through 29. Dinner Theatre evening is Nov. 18. Reservations are available by phoning the Phoenix Box Office at 721-8000. The Box Office is open from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Send EMail to The Ring

Return to table of contents.