ASHTABULA — G. B. Community Theatre at the Ashtabula Arts Center will open the Ayn Rand classic “Night of January 16th” tonight and will play for three weekends.
It runs today through Sunday and Oct. 9, 10, 11, 16 and 17. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.
“It's been fascinating to watch the story unfold as revealed by this diverse cast of eccentric and fascinating characters, each with an agenda that may not be what it seems,” says director Douglas Anderson of Ashtabula. “And there are several surprise twists to the storyline that will keep the audience on the edges of their seats.”
“Rand’s play is inspired by a case from the 1920s, the apparent suicide of Ivar Krueger,” says Anderson “But with its themes of embezzlement, suicide, widespread financial ruin and dangerous passions, it could just as easily fit today's headlines.”
In this dramatic courtroom tale, Bjorn Faulkner has swindled millions of dollars from investors but in the wake of a crash, he is facing bankruptcy. On the night of Jan. 16, Bjorn and Karen Andre, his mistress of 10 years, are in the penthouse at the top of the Faulkner Building when Faulkner falls to his death. Did he commit suicide? Or did the lovely Karen Andre do him in? A jury chosen from audience volunteers will weigh the facts and decide the verdict.
“This show is unique in drawing a jury from among the audience — and then letting the jury decide how the play will end by their verdict of guilty or not guilty. This poses quite a challenge to our actors, since they don't know themselves till the end of the show whether they're telling the truth. Luckily we have a cast that's up to the challenge.”
Dinner before the show will be available Oct. 10. Seating for the set menu dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Reservations and prepayment are required to be made no later than noon on Oct. 7. However, dinner seats often sell out before the deadline and reservations should be made as early as possible.
The menu for the evening will include: Italian wedding soup, garden green salad, Apricot glazed chicken, roasted autumn vegetables, roll and butter, apple cake and beverages. Cost is $16 plus the price of theater ticket.
General admission tickets $12 and senior/student $11. Save $2 per ticket when you purchase tickets in advance. All pre-sale tickets must be prepaid. For tickets or more information call the arts center at 964-3396.
WEEKENDER / Entertainment
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