Cheer for the underdog with "The Heiress" and bring "The Sound of Music" to Wheaton

Opening at Wheaton Drama’s Playhouse 111 September 7 is a stunning production of The Heiress. Adapted by Augustus and Ruth Goetz from Washington Square by Henry James, this drama follows shy Catherine Sloper's search for herself and love in 1850's New York. While the show's manners, costumes, and set are beautifully period, audiences will enjoy a story that offers timeless themes and entertainment. 

Director Marge Uhlarik-Boller notes, "Plays like this are so very entertaining because they are about that aspect of life everyone can relate to—what it’s like to be the underdog. This story is about a woman who is straddled from birth with a disappointed, sometimes abusive father, an absent mother and a lover whose motives are suspect. She rises above this all at the end and we feel triumph and even a bit of revenge."

The Heiress cast is: William Austin of Wheaton as Arthur Townsend; Lisa Baggott-Miller of Villa Park as Elizabeth Almond; Larry Boller of Elgin as Dr. Austin Sloper; Ellen Daschler of Lisle as Maria; Sean Ogren of Villa Park as Morris Townsend; Lisa Schmela of Wheaton as Catherine Sloper; Megan Skord Campbell of Chicago as Marian Almond; Annie Slivinski of Forest Park as Lavinia Penniman; Joann Smith of Naperville as Mrs. Montgomery.

Director Marge Uhlarik-Boller is assisted by Barb Giblin. Mike Boyna is the production manager. Jackie Haiser is the stage manager.

Additional production staff include: Tracy Adams (hair and makeup design); Daniel and Lisa Baggott-Miller (properties); Ken Beach (production photography); Traci A. Cidlik (graphic design); Keith deBolt (set design and construction); Craig Gustafson (Starboard design); Susan Hajny (costume design); Melissa Heischberg (website); Jo-Ann Ledger (publicity); Steven Merkel (publicity photography); Rebecca Poole (tickets); Jim Quan (sound design); Katy Smith (set decoration and programme); Jim Van de Velde (lighting design).

Performances of The Heiress are September 7 through September 30, 2012. Shows are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. The Heiress is licensed by Dramatists Play Service. Tickets are $13 for Thursdays; $16 for Fridays-Sundays. For tickets and additional information, visit http://wheatondrama.org.                                                                     

MUSICAL AUDITIONS

If auditioning for musicals is one of your favorite things, then you won't want to miss auditions for The Sound of Music. Auditions begin September 8. Full audition details for adults and children are at http://wheatondrama.org/show/the-sound-of-music.

At play since 1931, Wheaton Drama is a volunteer-based community theatre organization dedicated to improving the cultural life in the community by providing quality theatre to its patrons, and a creative, rewarding experience to its members. New members are welcome and are encouraged to attend a general membership meeting. Meetings are generally held the third Tuesday of every month, and are at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street in downtown Wheaton, IL 60187. Information at http://www.wheatondrama.org. Email publicity@wheatondrama.org. Twitter: WDIpublicity.