Heartwood in Rehearsal for As It Is In Heaven
Heartwood rehearsals are well underway on a moving piece of theater to ring in the new year, “As It Is In Heaven,” by Arlene Hutton. Set in a Kentucky Shaker community in the 1830’s, this script sweetly unfolds under the direction of Griff Braley and a power house cast of nine veteran actresses. Best known for “Last Train to Nibroc,” presented by Heartwood in a staged reading last winter, Hutton once again leans back in time, to a place where things appeared much simpler; in this seemingly utopian world of good people, Hutton deftly reveals their individual and collective humanity.
The cast is well known to Heartwood audience, as all nine women have held at least one major role with this company: Nancy Durgin, Millie Santiago, Ellen Erickson Whalley, Katie Matzell, Abby Hutchins, Marjolaine Whittlesey, Elise Voigt, Nancy-Grace Dersham, and Mary Boothby. This tightly woven ensemble has been at work since early December, learning not only lines but lyrics, music and dance steps to Shaker tunes, sung a cappella, punctuating the scenes. For video clips and details, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org.
The set is purposefully simple, as expected in a story about Shakers, and provides a “theater in the round” experience for audiences. Currently on display in Skidompha Library is the stunning “Tree of Life” backdrop created and painted by Mary Boothby, for sale by silent auction. Costumes are authentic, chosen and handmade for each actress.
The plain clarity of technical elements allow time and space in which to reflect, as Hutton leads audience through universal and timeless questions of “community,” never losing the obvious humor found in the moments. The well established and orderly community of Shakers is running just so … until the arrival of young Fanny, who claims to see angels in the meadow. Soon, all the young women are receiving “spiritual gifts,” and the entire utopian balance is disrupted. What follows is a powerful and insightful look at the natural array of 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.
Come in from the cold for a warm meal and enhance an evening of theater with Heartwood Dinner Partners: King Eider’s Pub, Damariscotta River Grill, Rising Tide Community Market, Newcastle Publick House, and Salt Bay Café.
