IC Theatre will present the Obie Award–winning play “Top Girls” by Caryl Churchill, whose productions have amassed critical worldwide acclaim. Performances will be held at 8 p.m. on Oct. 6, 8–10 and 20–23, with 2 p.m. matinees on Oct. 11 and 24. All performances will be held in the Clark Theatre in Dillingham Center.
“Top Girls” is a wild ride of fantasy and excess, swirling around the very real choices women make to achieve success in what is still very much a “man’s world.” Set in Margaret Thatcher’s 1980’s England, the play opens with Marlene throwing a dinner party to celebrate her promotion at the Top Girls Employment Agency. In a dreamlike sequence, she is joined by her invited guests, including Pope Joan, 19th century explorer Isabella Bird, and Dull Gret from Pieter Breughel’s painting, and they swap stories about their lives that have been twisted by a male-dominated society. Churchill’s adept use of language and allegory sets the stage for the dynamic events to come; the stories of the historical characters parallel the lives of Marlene’s contemporaries in their struggle for success in work and in life.
Director Norm Johnson, says, “’Top Girls’ is as relevant now as it was almost 30 years ago when it was written.”
The scenic design, by Daniel Moss ’11, harkens to the “The Dinner Party,” the seminal feminist installation artwork created by Judy Chicago in the 1970s. Costume designer Madison Ryckman ’11 mixes the vibrant color splashes of the 80s with the monochromatic, business-formal attire of Marlene’s working world. The lighting design is by Robert Sambrato ’11 and the sound design is by Rachel Spear ’11.
Ticket prices range from $4.50 to $10 and can be purchased at the Ticket Center at Clinton House by calling (607) 273-4497 or online at www.ithacaevents.com. The Dillingham Center Ticket Office is currently undergoing renovation. Group discounts are available.
The cast features Vanessa Sterling ’10 as Marlene, Emily Brazee ‘10 as Joyce and Isabella Bird, Katie Peters ’12 as Lady Nijo, Celeste Rose ’13 as Dull Gret and Angie, Monique Huff ’13 as Kit, Alison Walter ’10 as Pope Joan, Dani Stoller ’10 as Louise, Deanalis Resto ’11 as Patient Griselda, Jonelle Robinson ’10 as Nell, Hallie Angelella’11 as Jeanine, Kendra Slack ’12 as Mrs. Kidd, Rebecca Futterman ’11 as Win, Meg Schneider ’11 as Shona, and Sarah Brenner ’12 and Elizabeth Ellson ’12 as the Waitresses.
Jason Barrerra ’11 is the assistant director, Julianne Menassian ’10 is the stage manager, Jennifer Shaw ’12 is the assistant stage manager and Lucy Gram ’12 is the dramaturge.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20090925135443444