Brett Singer & Associates, LLC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE

PRESS CONTACT: Brett Singer (212) 307-7181

Synapse Productions Presents

The World Premiere of

Norman & beatrice:
a Marriage in Two Acts

Written by Barbara Hammond

Directed by David Travis

February 3rd through March 4th

at the Connelly Theater, 220 East 4th Street (Between Avenues A & B)

January 2, 2006

What if you couldn’t remember your first love? Synapse Productions is pleased to announce the world premiere of Barbara Hammond’s NORMAN & BEATRICE: A MARRIAGE IN TWO ACTS, directed by David Travis.  Performances at The Connelly Theater will begin on Friday, February 3rd and continue through Saturday, March 4th.

Norman is a charismatic retired civil servant and a loving husband and grandfather; but now that he has Alzheimer’s, he can’t be left alone and he can’t be trusted.  His devoted wife Beatrice is his soul mate and, in the end, his salvation.  In a story spanning 50 years, and the onset of Norman’s Alzheimer’s, this powerful new play offers a revealing glimpse into the different chapters of their marriage, and takes an unflinching look at what it means to grow old.

NORMAN AND BEATRICE: A MARRIAGE IN TWO ACTS is a humorous and moving love story about a married couple facing the challenge of growing old together.  Playwright Barbara Hammond has had her plays produced in New York and Dublin. She is a regular contributor to the Naked Angels Readings Series, and she is a resident artist at the Tyrone Guthrie Center. Barbara recently wrote and directed her first film; “June Weddings” (with Tom Noonan).

The cast for Norman & Beatrice will include Graeme Malcolm and Jane Nichols.  Graeme most recently appeared on Broadway in Aida and The King and I.  Off-Broadway credits include Lincoln Center, Manhattan Theater Club, and New York Theater Workshop.  Jane has been associated for more than 20 years with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts. In addition to numerous Off-Broadway credits, Jane has appeared on major regional stages including the Dallas Theater Center and Portland Stage.  The design team will be Luke Cantarella (Scenic Design), Camille Assaf (Costumes), Marcus Doshi (Lighting Design), and Daniel Baker (Sound Design).  David Travis, who staged the Drama Desk Award-nominated ANIMAL FARM (the puppet musical) and The God Botherers for Synapse Productions, will direct.

Synapse Productions, now in its sixth season, has gained a reputation for producing challenging and provocative plays that address contemporary cultural issues and get people talking. The New York Times said of the Drama Desk Award-nominated Orwell Project: “There is nothing more socially relevant on the boards in New York.”

Norman & Beatrice will begin performances on Friday, February 3rd and will continue through Saturday, March 4th.  Previews are Friday, February 3rd at 8pm and Saturday, February 4th at 3pm.  Opening Night is Saturday, February 4th at 8pm.  Regular Performances will be Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm; Sunday matinees at 3pm; and a Saturday matinee on March 4th at 3pm. Tickets will be $10 for Previews and $19 thereafter (Seniors and Students $12 with ID) and may be purchased by calling Smarttix at (212) 868-4444, or online at www.smarttix.com or www.synapseproductions.org.  Photos will be available for download at www.brettsinger.com/clients/synapse06.html.

Norman & Beatrice: a Marriage in Two Acts

By Barbara Hammond

Directed by David Travis

at the Connelly Theater, 220 East 4th Street (Between Avenues A & B)

Previews February 3rd at 8pm and February 4th at 3pm.
Opening Night February 4th at 8pm.
SCHEDULE:  Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 3pm

Additional Performance: Saturday March 4th at 3pm.

TICKETS: $12-$19; $10 (Previews); Call (212) 868-4444 or visit www.synapseproductions.org.
Pay What You Wish Wednesdays (at the door in February only)

311 West 43rd Street, Suite #1107                                                                                                   phone:                (212) 307-7181

New York, NY 10036                                                                                                                                                 Fax:      (212) 307-7178