My hubby and I have been trying to enjoy a "date night" from home each week. The kids head upstairs early for a slumber party, complete with popcorn and movies in bed and we order out dinner and settle in for a good movie.
But this week's date night will be a little different. We are going to catch a play from the Erie Playhouse!
Yep, that's right! The Erie Playhouse is introducing its "Quarantine Series" this weekend with its first production of Anton Chekhov's hilarious "The Proposal," starring Ken Brundage, Michael Haas and Maeve Kirby, who will perform from their homes.
The Playhouse will be broadcasting the play free of charge and LIVE on Facebook May 16 at 7:30 p.m. and May 17 at 2:00 p.m. Just tune into the Erie Playhouse Facebook page on those dates and times to see the production.
First performed in 1890, "The Proposal" is a farcical look at love, marriage, conflict, and convenience set in late 19th century Russia. Set in the rural countryside home of Stephan Chubukov (Ken Brudage) and his lovely daughter Natalya (Maeve Kirby), a neighbor, Ivan Lomov (Michael Haas) visits to ask for Natalya’s hand in marriage. Ivan is a nervous hypochondriac, which tends to complicate matters, especially when his proposal doesn’t go as planned. Stephan is overjoyed at the prospect, but Natalya is a proud young woman and doesn’t immediately recognize Ivan’s bumbling intensions. They soon enter into rowdy quarrels about land boundaries and hunting dogs. Will they ever marry? Will Ivan even survive?
"The Proposal" is more about the characters and the absurd situation he’s put them in. Our small but talented cast bring these delightfully comical characters to life under the direction of Playhouse Executive Director Kate Neubert-Lechner. Technical assistance for the live broadcasts is provided by Greg Hardner / Grisé Audio/Visual.
Now what local restaurant will you order dinner from for date night?
Supporting the Playhouse
The Erie Playhouse is also in the midst of a fundraiser to help them with costs during the shutdown due to COVID-19. For the first time since the Second World War, their stage is bare, and for the first time since its installation in 2010, their iconic marquee is dark as well.
Postponing and cancelling events and performances has cut off the main source of revenue—the financial support of loyal patrons through ticket sales.
To help with expenses, the Playhouse has launched a fundraising campaign to Light The Playhouse (#LightThePlayhouse). With each light in the marquee being sponsored at $100 each, the Playhouse can raise the $150,000 needed to light the marquee, the house, and the LECOM stage.
The Light the Playhouse fundraiser continues through July 1. Any individual or business can sponsor a light by going to erieplayhouse.org and filling out the donation form.
