Reviews SALLY AND GLEN AT THE PALACE
“Peter Hardy’s Sally and Glen at the Palace is a lovely valentine to the movies, a trivia buff’s dream and a sweet, coming-of-age story about friendships made in unlikely places. You have to admire Hardy’s delicate approach and the winning performances of Kate Graham (Sally) and Jacob York (Glen). York is a wonderful comic actor who ultimately reveal his character’s tenderness and vulnerability ... Graham and York are two young performers to watch.” Wendell Brock, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"I was very impressed with the writing, performances and direction. The evolving relationship between Sally and Glen is funny, moving and poignant. It had me laughing and crying. If you're a film buff, then you'll really appreciate all the references and comments about the films at the Palace in the 70's. "Sally and Glen at the Palace" deserves a longer run. I hope theatres in Atlanta and across the country will consider adding it to their season. " Yolanda Asher
THE DARKER FACE OF THE EARTH
"A luminous choreopoem that shows off the strengths of a strong supporting ensemble …A scintillating meditation on the shifting balance of power between master and servant, husband and wife .... Replete with a chorus, soothsayers, dreams and symbols … A commendable job of displaying Dove's glorious gift for language and storytelling." Wendell Brock, Atlanta Journal Constitution
Kudos to Director Betty Hart, the Essential Theatre, Peter Hardy and a phenomenal cast on The Darker Face of the Earth. Beautifully written, beautifully performed. The rhythms, music, poetry, timing. . . wonderful performances and production. Lynne Ashe
QUALITIES OF STARLIGHT
“A work of great imagination which is directed by Peter Hardy, superbly acted and wonderfully set … it is a terrific show and an enjoyable evening, one you do not want to miss.” Bob Heller, Publishers Feature Syndicate
"Kudos to all involved in the opening of Qualities of Starlight! What a wonderful play. The actors exceeded the demands of this delicious script! It was gritty, dark, funny...very moving! Thank you Peter for your 12th Seasons of the 'essentials' in theatre! Loved it!" Patricia McLaughlin
12th Annual Essential Play Festival Lineup July 8 ~ August 8
Darker Face of the Earth
by Rita Dove, directed by Betty Hart
The Georgia Premiere of a stunning tragic drama by a Pulitzer Prize-winning African-American poet (and former Poet Laureate of the United States). The classic story of Oedipus is re-imagined on a slave plantation in the American South.read more
Adult situations, with some violence.
"I would really like people to see this play. It’s an amazing production and it’s an experience that I think could only happen in a place like Atlanta, with the closeness of the theatre and the beauty of the work that these actors and this director – what they’ve done is really amazing."
Ms. Rita Dove, Pulitzer Prize Winning, Poet Laureate
Qualities of Starlight
by Gabriel Jason Dean, directed by Peter Hardy
The World Premiere of a twisted family comedy about a successful young astronomer who brings his wife home to the north Georgia mountains and the simple country household in which he grew up. And where his parents are now addicted to crystal meth. Winner of the 2010 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award. Adult language and onstage drug use. Behind the Scenes Rehearsal Video
Sally and Glen at the Palace
by Peter Hardy, directed by Ellen McQueen
The Georgia Premiere of a comic drama about the growing friendship between two very different college students working together in the lobby of a 1970s movie theatre in a southern university town. Winner of a New Southern Theatre Festival Playwriting Award. read more
We are seeking two ushers for each performance. Please visit our onlineTheatre Festival Usher Calendar to determine performance dates and availability. Click HERE to volunteer.
Become part of the Essential Theatre
Get involved. The Essential Theatre is looking for volunteer board members with event planning, marketing, public relations, fundraising, grahpic design and sales experience. We are also seeking a volunteer coordinator to assist in recruiting and scheduling ushers for the 2010 festival.Volunteer or Sign up for Essential Theatre Emails
Wish List
Are you an events planner who knows how to throw a party and enjoys fundraising, please contactPeter Hardy. If you'd like to help the Essential Theatre, there are lots of ways you can get involved! We're always on the lookout for free (or inexpensive) copying or printing services. Free or inexpensive paint, wood and other building materials are needed every year. Free rehearsal space can help us save money and get our productions ready to open.
And, of course, cash donations are always welcome! As ticket prices cover a small fraction of our productoin costs we especially appreciate our donors. Essential Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization so your donations are tax deductible. Please help us to support new work by Georgia Playwrights! Make a donation or become a sponsor today!
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