- November 18, 2024
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The story behind “Suddenly, Last Summer,” by Tennessee Williams, is one that may make the audience squirm in their seats. But with leads being played by career actresses Annie Gaybis and Anne Kraft, the audience will have a hard time looking away.
“It’s a little edgy for Flagler County,” said Sam Perkovich, president of the Palm Coast Arts Foundation. “But we said, ‘Yes, let’s do it!’”
The one-act play was originally performed off Broadway in 1958 with a film version in 1959 and is referred to as Williams’ starkest and most poetic works. In the play, Catharine Holly, a poor relation of a prominent New Orleans family, seems to be insane after her cousin Sebastian dies under mysterious circumstances on a trip to Europe. Sebastian’s mother, Violet Venable, tries to cloud the truth by calling in a doctor to silence her.
Directed by John Sbordone, artistic director of City Repertory Theatre, the cast of seven will deliver a staged reading performance as a joint venture and fundraiser for the Palm Coast Arts Foundation Saturday, Aug. 16.
Gaybis said she has always longed to portray Catharine.
“I believe this is one of the strongest female characters in all the plays written by Tennessee Williams,” she writes in her bio.
Gaybis was also one of the driving forces behind the event.
“Annie found us on the website and she has a lot of Broadway experience, and she is excited to have something like we want to build,” Perkovich said, referring to the Center for the Arts to be constructed and anchored in Town Center.
Kraft plays Violet Venable, and the cast is rounded out with Bobbi Foust as Mrs. Holly, Peter Gutierrez as Dr. Sugar, Phillipa Rose as Miss Foxhill, Leana Gardella as Sister Felicity, and Bruce Scott as George Holly.
The Aug. 16 production will be coupled with heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by Ocean Shore Custom Catering, wine, beer and signature 1930s cocktail. Guests are encouraged to bring out their inner Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan and come dressed in 1930s period attire.
IF YOU GO
What: “Suddenly, Last Summer”
When: 5:30-9:30 Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Lohman Auditorium at Whitney Laboratory, 9505 Oceanshore Blvd., St. Augustine
Tickets: $75 per person, call 263-2991 or email [email protected]
