The Vineyard Playhouse opens its 26th summer season with a world premiere production that is sure to appeal to anyone with a connection to Martha’s Vineyard. This Island Alone by Catherine Rush and Adrian Blue is a new play that is the result of the combined talents and efforts of its playwrights, dedicated cast and crew, and Martha’s Vineyard’s only year round professional theater. The play was developed right here at The Vineyard Playhouse where it received a workshop and staged reading last fall. It will receive its much anticipated world premiere when it opens this Friday, June 15th (following previews on June 13th and 14th) at The Vineyard Playhouse, 24 Church Street in historic downtown Vineyard Haven.
Performed in both spoken English and American Sign Language, This Island Alone is based on the history of Chilmark, where for almost 200 years a signing community flourished. The play tells the story of the inhabitants of this rural town on the island of Martha’s Vineyard who have lived and grown together for generations. No one even notices that there are so many deaf folks. It just seems that’s the way it’s always been. Until one day, two off-islanders arrive, and with a single question, change the community forever. The visual story telling style of the production compliments the spoken English in such a way that This Island Alone speaks to all audience members. It is a one of a kind theater experience that has journeyed from idea to workshop to script to full production all within the shores of the very island that inspired its creation.
This groundbreaking production is directed by playwright Adrian Blue, and features encore performances by workshop cast members John Basinger, Katherine Diamond, Norma Tourangeau, and Alexandria Wailes. Exciting new additions to the cast include Paul L. Coffey, Darren Frazier, and Uriel Menson. The stage manager is Matt Jackson and the set is designed by The Vineyard Playhouse’s resident set designer Steve Zablotny. The production also includes lighting design by Fred Hancock, costumes by Abigail Bailey and Kerry Binder, and sound design by Jim Novack.
This Island Alone runs June 13 – July 7. Performances are at 7:00 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:00 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. There will be a 3:00 pm matinee performance on Thursday, July 5 only. Ticket prices vary for each performance. There are discounted tickets for previews, matinees and Tuesday nights. Tickets can be purchased in advance over the phone or in person at The Vineyard Playhouse box office which is now open for the season. Ticket prices range from $25 - $37.50. The Vineyard Playhouse is a fully accessible venue with air-conditioning. For complete ticket information please call The Vineyard Playhouse box office at 508-696-6300 or visit their newly re-designed website at www.vineyardplayhouse.org.