Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m.—WALLINGFORD—The Sparkle Barn is pleased to announce six performances of “Vincent.” The Marble Valley Players will present “Vincent,” a one-man play written by Leonard Nimoy, based on the play “Van Gogh” by Phillip Stephens and on letters written between Vincent Van Gogh and his brother, Theo. This multi-image dramatic staging received rave reviews when it toured with Leonard Nimoy playing the one extraordinary role. The excitement and color of Van Gogh’s life and art enhance this production through the projection of images that fill the stage as the story unfolds. They add impact to the words being spoken and provide an art education in themselves. As the Variety critic put it, “The actor doesn’t have the stage to himself. He plays against the celebrated artist’s brilliant paintings projected on a large screen.”
Director Mikki Lane (Mamma Mia) is thrilled to bring this show to the local stage. As a longtime fan of Van Gogh’s work, it has been a dream of hers for over 30 years! “Vincent” stars Frank Wright (“Les Misérables”) and Jamie Willis (“ Mamma Mia”) who will each take the stage for three of the six performances. (Fans should note that Willis will perform on Jan. 30, Feb. 1 and Feb. 7. Wright’s performances are on Jan. 31, Feb. 6 and 8.) Both Wright and Willis bring their unequalled talents to the stage as they individually embody Theo, the loving, passionate, and brilliant man so cherished by his brother, Vincent.
Following the Saturday performances, the director and cast will engage in a “Talk Back” with the audience, featuring Carol Berry. Carol is an art educator and has been studying the art and life of Vincent Van Gogh for over 20 years. She has been giving lectures for the Vermont Humanities Council’s First Wednesdays’ program and leading retreats and workshops. She has also written articles and two books on Van Gogh which highlight his compassion and his spirituality. Her books, “Vincent Van Gogh; His Spiritual Vision in Life and Art” and “Learning from Henri Nouwen and Vincent Van Gogh; A Call to a Compassionate Life” will be available to view and purchase.
“Vincent” will be performed on Jan.30, 31 and Feb. 1 at The Sparkle Barn, 1509 US Rte. 7 South in Wallingford and also on Feb. 6, 7 and 8 at the West Rutland Town Hall Theater, 35 Marble St. in West Rutland. While appropriate for all audiences, the show is best suited for adults and children ages 10 and up. All show times are at 7 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for $15.
This event will be in the Sparkle Barn’s second floor event room, which is not handicap accessible. Seating is limited, so please arrive early.
