Contact:
Paul Hodgson
The Everyman Repertory Theatre
(207) 236-0173
phodgson@everymanrep.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Everyman Presents A Soldier's Tale

(Rockport, ME) On Saturday, June 21, the Everyman Repertory Theatre, in partnership with Maine Pro Musica, will open a two-weekend run of A Soldier’s Tale, by Igor Stravinsky and C.F. Ramuz. The hour-long play with music and dance features a septet, three actors and five dancers. Performances will take place at Pascal Hall, 86 Pascal Avenue in Rockport, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 and Friday, June 27, and Sunday matinees on June 22 and 29 at 3 p.m.

Billed as a celebration of music, dance and theatre, Everyman Rep’s production of the Stravinsky classic tells the simple tale of a soldier returning from the war who encounters the Devil on his way — and his world is suddenly turned upside down. Though it is traditionally performed with a Narrator reading the script, actors performing the roles of the Soldier and the Devil, and only one dancer, our multi-levelled production is a complete collaboration between a dance ensemble of five and the actors performing, not reading, the roles of Narrator, Devil and Soldier.

“The story itself is pertinent on many different levels” says David Troup, the production’s director. “How we perceive the Devil, how that “Devil” changes the path we meant to take, how we try to regain control of our own destinies — these are different for us all. This very simple and lovely tale is told musically through Maine Pro Musica’s wonderful performance conducted by Janna Hymes; told through modern dance, as uniquely choreographed by Hanna DeHoff; and told through the simple give and take of a tremendously talented cast: Jen Hodgson, Paul Hodgson and Scott Anthony Smith. In addition, we are using a three-tiered stage, to emphasize these many levels. The trick will be to keep the simplicity of the story while opening up the interpretation to these many media.”

The soldier’s fiddle is key to the story, changing hands throughout the tale. “Consequently, the violinist plays throughout the piece,” comments Janna Hymes, “and we are excited to have Dean Stein playing for us.” Mr. Stein is on the faculty at Bates and Bowdoin, is the former lead violinist for the DaPonte String Quartet, and now lead violinist for the Portland String Quartet.

The opening night performance, on Saturday, June 21, will be preceded by a pre-show party, open to all ticketholders, sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank. All pre-purchased or reserved tickets for each performance are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Non-reserved tickets at the door will carry a $5 surcharge. For more information, or to reserve a ticket, visit www.everymanrep.org or call 207-236-0173. Tickets are also available at the Owl & Turtle bookstore and HAV II in Camden, the Reading Corner in Rockland, and Bella Books in Belfast. This production is made possible through a grant provided by the Maine Community Foundation.

Creation. Collaboration. Catharsis