The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
New theater group opens first season with ‘Race’
LAKEVILLE — A consortium of arts enthusiasts in the Northwest Corner has launched an arts and culture series called ShowTown, taking a novel approach to providing local entertainment. Offering high-quality programming at affordable prices, ShowTown will bring in productions from other areas, teaming with local venues to stage them on a pop-up basis. It will also develop original programming.
Inspired by the successes of the Salisbury Forum and Boondocks Film Society, ShowTown aims to introduce a wider range of cultural offerings than currently available in the Northwest Corner, Hudson Valley and Berkshires, especially in the nonsummer months.
The series begins with a weekend run of David Mamet’s thought-provoking play “Race,” to be staged at the Seifert Theater at Salisbury School on March 22-23, on the heels of the play’s run at TheatreWorks in New Milford.
A play like Race will get audiences thinking about serious issues by way of extremely engaging, colorful, and entertaining dialogue. What could be better than being entertained and provoked at the same time?
“Race” tells the story of a law firm that is considering taking on a new client: a wealthy, white businessman accused of rape by a young black woman. The decision is complicated when their new hire, a young black attorney, weighs in on the matter. “Race” ran on Broadway about a decade ago, but the topic has become increasingly relevant in the current politically and socially charged atmosphere.
Future events being considered by ShowTown include additional plays; live music, including topshelf jazz; and panel discussions on topics of local interest, such as Q&As with chefs from top, area restaurants. ShowTown is also contemplating hosting a TedXlike event at which prominent and distinguished members of our community impart mindstimulating stories and wisdom; as well as plays-in-development for which the audience judges and influences whether and how they are progressed to the next level.
Readers may find more information on ShowTown and purchase tickets for its events at www.showtown.org
ShowTown may be reached via e-mail at infoshowtown@gmail.com. The organization is seeking more volunteers to help it develop and stage additional shows. According to cofounder Zeina Mehio, “All ideas are welcome. We are listening closely to the desires and input of our community.”