Repertory Company Theatre to debut The Women following opening of film version

by PegNews wire

Diane English’s new movie, a stylish update of The Women, will premiere September 12. Immediately after the premier, Repertory Company Theatre will open (September 19) with the original play The Women by Clare Boothe Luce. RCT’s ever popular social satire will run September 19-28, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30, Sundays 2:00 at the new Promenade Theatre in Richardson.

Both shows are set in the world of high society wives of New York City while focusing on themes of the modern woman: marriage, divorce, female friendships, beauty standards and fashion. Although men are at the center of the lives of The Women, no male characters appear in the play or movie.

“It took me 13 years to get The Women made” says Diane English of her less catty update starring Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing and Jada Pinkett-Smith. It took a small distributor, Picturehouse, to take a chance on English’s first film. Not to be outdone, Repertory Company Theatre has cast its production with some star power. The play’s director, Debra Carter, has assembled a cast of 16 local actresses. Perennial favorite Heather Walker (Little Women, To Kill A Mockingbird, It’s A Wonderful Life, Crimes of The Heart) will play Mary Hanes, who seems to live a charmed life till her husband has an affair with Crystal Allen (played by newcomer to the RCT stage, Stefanie Darrah). Mia Fisher, Melissa Hartman, Ruth Ellen Heaton, Robin Clayton, Linda Ivey, Margaret Lyman, Leslie Austin, Polly Levi, Bonnie Bell, Brittany Levraea, Heather Biddle, Fradonna Griffin and Macy Moses fill out the talented cast.

“Fashion and glamour are a big part of this production” explains Debra Carter. “Our production team has had a great time with the costume and set design. We decided to keep the 1940 setting which allows us to have those wonderful costumes of the period.”

Tickets can be purchased by calling the RCT Box Office at 972-690-5029.

Source: Repertory Company Theatre