Theatre 29 casts for original farce “Fortressed” June 12 – 28
An Original comedy, “Fortressed” by Sharianne Greer, debuts at Theatre 29 beginning June 12. Arts & Entertainment Reporter Charlie Thomas strums his lute for this medieval farce with modern themes.
An original play that premiered over three decades ago is being brought back to life by the Author, Sharianne Greer, who will also direct the work at Theatre 29 with performances June 12th through 28th.
Greer, who recently relocated to Yucca Valley from the Los Angeles area, reminisces that the world premiere in the mid 1990s of the play was not quite what she had anticipated, saying, “FORTRESSED” was the first play of mine to be professionally produced way back in 1994 at the Melrose Theatre in Hollywood. Though I was an experienced actress, I was a novice playwright and thought it best to follow the common wisdom of having someone else direct the work. It went ok, we got good reviews, but for me the comic tone was off, and it felt like a missed opportunity. I threw the play in a box and went on to other things. Restaging “FORTRESSED” here at Theatre 29 has been such a blessing. I am finally seeing the show as I intended”.
Set in a small mythical village known as Bromleyshire, England, “FORTRESSED” follows Lord Bromley and Lady Magdelena as their starving village descends into riot. ill-equipped to lead, Bromley raids a neighboring Duke while ignoring the deeper causes of unrest. When the Duke arrives with exploitative demands, the couple scrambles for solutions, turning to increasingly desperate and unconventional methods.
Greer describes the show as an “absurd comic farce” and made a challenge, ”There is a message buried within. Deep within. Way, way, down. Please let me know if you find it. Until then, just laugh as hard and long as you can. That’s all I ask.”
Greer has assembled a cast of experienced actors along with one newcomer to bring her dream to life. Michael D. Simpson is Lord Bromley, Rebecca Osier plays Lady Magdelena, Stormie Ingram takes on Charity while J. T. Eberhard is Marshall, Kevin A. Hayles the Duke. Anna LaCazio makes her stage debut in the role of Kate.
“FORTRESSED” will open Friday, June 12, and run weekends through June 28th. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:00pm and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 pm. The opening night gala is a fund-raiser for the Twentynine Palms Food Pantry with tickets available by calling Lori Cosgroff at 760-361-3663.
After opening night, all tickets are available at theatre29.org. “FORTRESSED” is proudly supported by a grant from Visit 29.
