LEWISTON — The Public Theatre will present the Maine premiere of the provocative new play and Pulitzer prize finalist, “Marjorie Prime,” March 16-25.
It’s the age of artificial intelligence, and 85-year-old Marjorie has a handsome new companion, a computerized replica of her deceased husband who’s programmed to keep her company and remind her of a time when life was sweeter. But is recounting the past as satisfying as truly sharing it?
It’s a fascinating futuristic trip to a twilight zone where no home is complete without computer-generated companions who keep the old days alive. This recent off-Broadway hit explores the mysteries of memory, identity and the limits of what and who technology can replace.
“You’ll be thinking about this emotionally satisfying play long after the curtain falls,” director Christopher Schario said. “Jordan Harrison’s script has all the hallmarks of the best science fiction. It’s clever, alive with humor, surprising in its turns, and somewhat haunting by the time the lights go out. This rumination on technology fits right into the current wave of essays and news articles about the rise of robots in our lives.”
Starring in the role of Marjorie is Broadway actress Diane Findlay. She was most recently seen on Broadway in Larry David’s “Fish in the Dark.” A veteran of Broadway, off-Broadway, national tours and regional theater, she is also the recipient of the Las Vegas Female Performer of the Year Award.
Portraying her daughter Tess will be New York actress Mhari Sandoval. Mhari has spent much of her career performing in regional theaters throughout the U.S., including five seasons at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Active in the voice-over industry, she’s recorded multiple television and radio ads, animated shows, and narrated six seasons of “Deadly Sins” on Investigation Discovery.
The role of her husband, Jon, will be played by Russell Berrigan. He has appeared previously at The Public Theatre in “Sideman” and “Christmas Carol.” The role of Walter, Marjorie’s hologram husband, will be played by New York actor Jackson Thompson.
The Public Theatre will continue its pre-show extras starting at 6:30 in the theatre lobby with a free beer sampling on opening night, Friday, March 16, hosted by Baxter Brewing, and a free wine sampling on Thursday, March 22, hosted by The Vault.
“Marjorie Prime” is playing March 16-25. Thursday-Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., and Saturday matinee on March 24 at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $20 adults, $17 groups, $5 for 18 and under.
For tickets visit thepublictheatre.org or call 207-782-3200. The theatre is at 31 Maple St.
Cast members, from left, Diane Findlay, Mhari Sandoval, Russell Berrigan, and Jackson Thompson perform in “Marjorie Prime,” which opens March 16 at the Public Theatre.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
