PEP CURRENT PRODUCTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Liane Yasumoto (510) 845-5576 press
January 1, 2023 – February 25, 2023
Alchemy Works and the Alliance for Representative Theatre (formerly know as P.E.P.) proudly present:

The Wisdom of Eve

BY MARY ORR
February 11 – February 20, 2023

BERKELEY- Alchemy Works and the Alliance for Representative Theatre are proud to present The Wisdom of Eve, a classic tale with a modern twist. Adapted from the story by Mary Orr, on which the landmark film All About Eve was based, AW’s production of The Wisdom of Eve shows three of the leading characters (Margo, Eve & Vera) as wheelchair or crutch users. However, some of the disabilities seen by the audience are not what they seem.

An engrossing and revealing "inside" story of life in New York's theatre world told in terms of an unscrupulous ingénue’s rise to Broadway stardom. We follow Eve Harrington from the moment she is standing in the rain by the stage door, waiting for a glimpse of her professed idol, Margo Crane. Their meeting leads to unexpected opportunity as Margo, struck with Eve's "sincerity," takes her on as a personal secretary. Before long, Eve begins to move ahead in earnest, her true character emerging as she lies, cheats and blackmails her way to Broadway stardom—and then a Hollywood career—leaving the wreckage of her friends' trust behind her. With lead roles portrayed as disabled actresses, new subliminal questions emerge about how Margo achieved her success and why her temperament is “tolerated.” As the play ends there are rumors that Eve has found a new "friend," this time a movie tycoon, so it appears that perhaps we have not, for the moment, heard all there is to tell about Eve.

The Wisdom of Eve is the 4th Annual Production from Alchemy Works and our first full-length production. It is co-directed by Tony Schmiesing (Berkeley) & Eric deLora (San Francisco). Featured in the production are Andrea Feit-Dougan (Mill Valley), Casey Dacanay (Napa), Kyle Smith (Union City), Millee Holliday (Vallejo), Laura Jane Bailey (Mountain View), Eliza Riley (Santa Clara), Tom Parker (San Francisco), and Leon Goertzen (El Cerrito).

Alchemy Works is the production company arm of the Alliance for Representative Theatre (A.R.T.), formerly known as the Professional Enrichment Program (P.E.P.). P.E.P. was the brainchild of Bay Area artist and casting director Pamela K. Walker, brought about to create opportunities for disabled artists and other under-represented groups to increase their skill levels. A.R.T. provides professional development and opportunities for performers and theatre workers with disabilities and others whose participation in theatre is traditionally blocked or limited.

A.R.T. is a coalition of performing arts organizations from the mainstream art community and the disability art community, including Corporation on Disabilities and Telecommunication; Julia Morgan Center for the Arts; loudfamily producktions, Media Access Office North and National Arts and Disability Center and Theatre Bay Area. Alchemy Works is a fiscally sponsored project of Intersection for the Arts. Alchemy Works receives funding support from California Arts Council, The Gersten Family Charitable Trust, N.A.D.C., Theatre Bay Area, True North Foundation and Zellerbach Family Foundation.

The Ashby Stage is located at 1901 Ashby Avenue, cross street Martin Luther King (across from Ashby BART). The production is approximately 120 minutes in length. The venue is accessible. Tickets may be purchased at the door, cash only please, or reserved through the CDT Ticket Line (510) 845-5576. Tickets are $15 General Admission/$10 Students, Seniors, Theatre Bay Area & Individuals with Disabilities. Discounts are available at the door.

For more information on The Wisdom of Eve, the press should contact Liane Yasumoto at (510) 845-5576. Schmiesing, deLora and/or the actors are available for interviews. Photos are available upon request.

FOR CALENDAR EDITORS:

WHAT: The Wisdom of Eve, by Mary Orr. Tale of an ingenue understudy gone bad – every leading lady’s nightmare.

WHEN: Opens Friday February 11, 2005. Closes Sunday, February 20, 2005.

SHOWTIMES: Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm; Matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00pm (ASL interpreting at one of the matinees – please call (510) 845-5576 for details).

WHERE: The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley (across from ASHBY BART)

TICKETS:
$15 General Admission
$10 Students, Seniors, Theatre Bay Area & Individuals with Disabilities.

Cash or check payable at the door, no credit cards please.
Discounts available at the door.
Reservations -- CDT Ticket Line (510) 845-5576

If you would like to contribute to this exciting theater company
(stage prop roses cost money -- even $5 can make a difference!)

For additional information on PEP productions, please contact us at [email protected].