Richmond 2009

13 June 2009 (rehearsed reading)
Richmond Theatre, Surrey, UK

The cast:
Sharon Gless – Jane Juska
Jane Bertish – Celia, Jane's Mother, Dr V, Library Reader
Jessica Martin – Nathalie, Miss Margaret Mackenzie, Houskeeper, Cabbie, Stripper – Tempest Storm, Library Reader
Peter Marinker – Lone Party Man, Waiter, Jonah, Sidney, Mr Rubb, Tom, Library Reader, Second Library Official
Jay Benedict – Old Party Lady, Danny, Jane's Father, Robert, Mr Maguire, Sour Faced Librarian, John
Alec Newman – Old Party Lady, Second Waiter, Dance Teacher, Andy, John Ball, Graham

Sharon, with five other actors playing the roles of Juska's suitors and friends, read from a seated position to a small audience. The stage directions were read by the actors, to help the audience visualize what the action would be in a staged performance. The play runs for approximately 90 minutes, without an intermission. After the reading, there was a question and answer session with the playwright and actors and the audience were asked to give feedback. This included observations that the play dealt with far-reaching topics of universal appeal about attitudes to aging and living life, and that it delivered the empowering message that you can make your dreams come true.

(c) Jacqueline A Danson