Heartwood Presents “As It Is In Heaven”

“As It Is In Heaven,” by Arlene Hutton, marks the 8th annual “Janu-drama” brought to the Midcoast by Heartwood Theater Company. Artistic Director Griff Braley leads a remarkably tight ensemble of nine women, who breathe life into an 1830’s Kentucky Shaker community,through this powerful dramatic piece. Best known for her “Last Train to Nibroc,” Hutton once more leans back to a simpler place in time. Hutton, with a lovely blend of wit and sensitivity, peers into a deceptively utopian world and deftly reveals the imperfections found in any community. For video clips and details, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org.

The set, costumes, and technical elements are intentionally simple but elegant, and the audience will enjoy this experience – words, music, and dance - “in the round.” Skidompha Library’s atrium provides a surprisingly intimate setting in which to portray this compelling piece. Encompassing the stage-set is a larger set, silent and omnipresent – book lined walls, oozing history and stories of people and life – urging audiences to reflect as Hutton steers a course through the universal and timeless questions of “Community.”

The Shaker Society of Pleasant Hill, run with commitment and discipline, hums along in a very orderly fashion - until the arrival of young Fanny, who claims to have an ecstatic observance, seeing angels in the meadow. Suddenly, ALL of the young women are receiving “spiritual gifts,” and the balance on which the society’s harmony thrives, teeters. What follows is a powerful and insightful look into the reactions of a community threatened by change: doubt, jealousy, denial, and acceptance.

Sponsored this season by Bath Savings Institution, Heartwood has scheduled 6 evening and 2 matinee performances over 3 weekends at Skidompha Library in Damariscotta, opening January 20th. “As It Is In Heaven,” produced with special permission by Dramatists Play Service, Inc. and sponsored by Supplies Unlimited, will run at 7:30 pm on January 20, 21, 27, 28, Feb 3, and 4th and at 3:00 pm on January 22 and 29. Seating is extremely limited and reservations are a must – 563-1373 or boxoffice@heartwoodtheater.org. Tickets are $12/students thru high school and $18/all adults.

To round out the evening, consider dinner out, with one of the local Heartwood Dinner Partners: Damariscotta River Grill, Newcastle Publick House, King Eider’s Pub, Salt Bay Café, and the Rising Tide Community Market.