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Wit Touches the Mind and Heart at NTC

Special October 22 event benefits Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance

Opening Friday, October 21, “Wit,” winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, will be presented at the Newnan Theatre Company (NTC). The powerful one-act play centers on a learned, literary woman as she deals with her advanced metastatic ovarian cancer.

Fifty year old Vivian Bearing, Ph.D., a renowned English professor, specializes in the 17th century metaphysical sonnets of John Donne. Upon discovery of her cancer, she reviews her life and shares her keen observations and humorous takes on her situation with the audience.

“This script explores almost everything a cancer patient is forced to deal with,” says Wit director Jeff Allen, “including the shock of diagnosis, the rigors of tests and exams, the sickness and fatigue of treatment, the reassessment of oneís life and the fear of facing one’s own mortality.”

According to Allen, the assembled cast is working with great energy and excitement to make this production as powerful, real and meaningful as possible. The stellar cast includes Karrie Britton-Jones as Vivian Bearing, Ph.D., Barbara Mitchell as Susie Monahan, Dr. Bryan Price as Dr. Jason Posner, Dale Lyles as Dr. Harvey Kelekian, and Ginny Lyles as Dr. Evelyn Ashford. Heath Borne, Caren Comeans, Gina Emery, James Emery, Leslie Ray and Michelle White-LaCroix portray students, technicians, fellows and code team members.

“Watching the rehearsals of these very talented people, dealing with this tough subject, I am amazed nightly at the range of emotions this show takes you through,” reports assistant director Joshua Cole Pettus. “Most nights we laugh, cry, think and share, but we always leave smiling about the evening’s accomplishments.”

Besides the cast, Allen shares other credits for helping to make “Wit” an outstanding experience. “We have been receiving excellent support from the community during this production, most notably Newnan Hospital where Mary Frances Honea has been vital for our medical connections and props.” Yvonne Monet of Alamo Jacks has been helping with the musical score and Dave Dorrell of Wahoo Creek Design has been editing video footage for the production. Several members of the Heritage School Thespian Club have put in many hours alongside several theater members working on the set.

A special event punctuates the production on Saturday, October 22, Ms. Margaret Edson, Pulitzer Prize winning author of “Wit,” will join NTC for an evening benefiting the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance and the Newnan Theater Company. The evening features a pre-show reception, a performance of Wit and a post-show discussion with Ms. Edson. Tickets for the special fundraiser are $40 per person. Seating is limited, so make reservations as soon as possible.

“Everyone at NTC is very excited to offer this unique opportunity to meet the author and hear her thoughts and feelings about her play,” says Allen. He adds that, besides the Pulitzer Prize, “Wit” has been honored with hundreds of productions in dozens of languages; the HBO film version of the play won the Emmy Award in 2001.

“Wit” is an Artist Series show and will be presented in the Black Box performance space. It runs October 21, 23, 28, 29, 30 and November 4, 5 and 6. As “Wit” is a one act play, after intermission the audience will be invited to stay for a group discussion session led by various members of the community who may be able to give further insight into topics related to “Wit.” College professors, cancer survivors, doctors, nurses, ministers and representatives of various cancer-related organizations will be participating on different evenings.

Performances begin promptly at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with matinees at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Seating is limited, so call 770-683-6282 to reserve your seats. Visit www.newnantheatre.com for more information.