What’s new for theatre in 2007? In each new season and with each new production by Workhouse Theatre, the Camden-based theatre company finds new ways to reward their growing audience base.
Last spring, crowds attending A Company of Wayward Saints got a first look at the new Workhouse Stage at The Warren; the only independent performance space on the Northside. Those attending shows in the upcoming 2007-2008 season have a chance to see Workhouse’s recently acquired permanent lighting system in action. In addition, patrons have the first opportunity in the history of Camden to pre-purchase an entire season’s worth of live theatrical entertainment.
This success is not going unnoticed by the artistic community in the greater metro. City Pages recently lauded the size of Workhouse audiences, noting that 500 patrons last year was “…nothing to sneeze at for an independent company just making its name, and is staunchly devoted to putting down roots in a part of town that has been underserved in terms of stage options” (Fall Arts Preview, September 12, 2007).
Workhouse Theatre Company (WTC) is kicking off this season with the hard-hitting Oleanna by David Mamet; a disturbingly real portrait of a gut-wrenching struggle between a college student and the professor she accuses of sexual misconduct. Rebecca Droste and Jeff Broitman, two local performers who have acted professionally and in dozens of productions between them, portray the principal characters, Carol (the student) and John (the professor). WTC veteran Carolyn von Hauck directs this controversial look at what happens when the lines of communication erode.
While the story of Oleanna is fictional, the situation that is presented and the actions that follow are all very real. Workhouse company member Valerie Borey explains how that adds to the play’s appeal, “I think everybody has had a time in their life when they’ve had a serious misunderstanding — a disastrous misunderstanding — and they’ve stood back after the fact and asked themselves, ‘What happened here? How could this have happened?’ There’s something almost gratifying about watching the wreckage of someone else being human, of someone else trying and failing in their effort to be what they consider a normal, successful human being. You see yourself in that struggle.” Please note that Oleanna does contain mature themes and language, and may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
Oleanna will be performed over three weekends, beginning October 26. All evening shows begin at 7:30 at The Warren (44th Ave N and Osseo Rd.). In response to community feedback, WTC will offer one 2 p.m. Sunday matinee with each production this season. Tickets for all shows are $10 in advance and $12 at the door (seniors and students $8 in advance and $10 at the door) and are on sale at www.workhousetheatre.org and in person at The Warren. A first for this season is “Camden Night.” On Thursday, November 1, tickets are two for $15 (an $8 savings off the walk-up price) for any Camden residents that request “The Camden Night Special” at the door.
Workhouse Theatre’s 2007-2008 season is sponsored by Papa’s Pizza, Camden Pet Hospital, and Rix Bar & Grill, and features three mainstage shows: fall’s Oleanna, Steve Martin’s The Underpants in mid-winter and Marsha Norman’s ‘Night Mother in late spring. Season ticket passes are $30 ($24 for seniors and students) and make reserving seats easier, as well as cheaper than paying for tickets at the door. Info at www.workhousetheatre.org, info@workhousetheatre.org or 612-237-2014.