Playreading

Series Resumes October 16

RIDGEFIELD — Ridgefield Theater Barn will present the first playreading of the 2007-08 season and another in its series of unproduced works by local authors on Tuesday, October 16, at 7:30 pm, with the premier of Expecting Houdini written by Sam Havens and directed by Karina Ramsey.

The plot concerns Carole and Winston, who are hosting an annual Halloween gathering for their college friends at their country home. They neglect to mention that although they once were and still appear to be rich, they are flat broke and about to loose everything. As the weekend unfolds, the audience discovers that each guest also hides a secret: Lonny, a successful movie actor; his narcoleptic brother, Blue; Blake, a perpetually unemployed magazine editor and her friend, Gwen, a young veterinarian; Orin, a flighty, sexy artist; and Ruggles, the beloved, retired professor. Relationships tangle as arguments and revelations ensue.

While awaiting the arrival of the master magician of the title, the grandeur, humor, suspense and entertainment one may expect from his appearance provide additional intrigue to the evening’s events.

The staged reading series gives local playwrights an opportunity to have their work read on stage by actors in a professional venue and provides constructive feedback through a talkback session with the audience immediately following the performance.

Ridgefield Theater Barn is at 37 Halpin Lane. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Seating is theater style for readings. Reservations are not required and doors open at 7.

For more information and directions to the theater, visit TheaterBarn.org or call 203-431-9850.