Florida Repertory Theatre announces the opening of Alabaster by Audrey Cefaly, as part of a 10-theatre National New Play Network rolling world premiere. Chosen from Florida Rep’s 2018 PlayLab Festival of New Works, Alabaster plays in the ArtStage Studio Theatre Dec. 20 to Jan. 26 with four nearly sold-out previews Dec. 17 – 19.
Alabaster is an intimate portrait of survival where two extremely different women find common ground and discover the healing power of human connection. When a noted big-city photographer sets out to explore the topography of “scars,” her journey lands her in the mysterious realm of an undiscovered folk artist hiding from the world on her farm near Alabaster, Ala. Audrey Cefaly’s new play is a beautiful and edgy character study that explores the meaning and purpose of art and the struggle of the often lost, tortured souls who seek to create it.
“Florida Rep’s is committed to developing new works and nurturing playwrights,” said artistic director Greg Longenhagen, “and Audrey Cefaly’s new play is one of the most exciting new works to cross my desk in a while. This play is both hopeful and heartbreaking and features some of your favorite Florida Rep Ensemble Members. We are honored to give this play its first of ten Rolling World Premiere productions and to welcome the playwright into the creative process as the story comes to life for the first time. This is not a show to miss.”
Alabaster features ensemble members Rachel Burttram and Sara Morsey alongside newcomers, Dana Brooke and Carolyn Messina. Burttram returns to the ArtStage after her recent work filming The Right Stuff for National Geographic, which is set to air in early 2020. Her recent Florida Rep credits include Steel Magnolias, Hay Fever and Disgraced, as well as the 2018 PlayLab reading of Alabaster. Morsey returns after recent appearances in Steel Magnolias and Shear Madness. In addition to her work on stage in Alabaster, Morsey is a folk artist, and is creating over 60 pieces of original outsider art for the production. Her work will be on display at the Arts for ACT Gallery across the hall from the ArtStage Studio during the month of January.
A Birmingham native, Carolyn Messina makes her Florida Rep debut on the production, but has a long history working with the playwright. She’s appeared in Cefaly’s works prior to Alabaster, and as a dramaturg, has collaborated with Cefaly on multiple projects, including Alabaster. New York actress Dana Brooke makes her Florida Rep debut in the production, and is a company member at B Street Theatre in Sacramento, Calif., where she appeared in a reading of Alabaster as part of the National New Play Network Annual Showcase of New Plays.
Florida Rep ensemble member and associate artistic director Jason Parrish directs the production after helming last season’s Steel Magnolias and Million Dollar Quartet.
Tickets are available online at www.FloridaRep.org and through the box office at 239-332-4488.
