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Reading Theater Project Presents New Play Inspired by Berks County’s Haunted History

Jan 06, 2017 • by Reading Theater Project
Dead of Winter: Berks Haunting

Reading-based theater company presents Dead of Winter: Berks Haunting

Reading, PA — Building on its reputation for creating new and exciting theater that is relevant to the Berks County community, the Reading Theater Project proudly announces its upcoming production, DEAD OF WINTER: Berks Haunting this January 27th-29th, 2017 and February 3rd-5th, 2017 at the Olympian Ballroom, 603 Penn Ave, West Reading PA, 19611.

Directed by Joel Richard Gori RTP’s new play, by Sue Lange and Elizabeth Clark, DEAD OF WINTER: Berks Haunting, will draw on haunting folk-lore of the forgotten people of Berks County’s history including the Lenni-Lenape, slaves, abolitionists, and beatniks between the 1700’s and 1950’s. “Doing research for Dead of Winter has been another great experience,” says resident playwright Sue Lange. “As is true of most of Reading Theater Project’s pieces, we delve into Reading’s past and discover amazing facts and wonderful secrets about our area. I can’t wait to present this to the public.” This ensemble piece continues RTP’s success of Berks-inspired historical pieces that include 2013’s, May Be Honest, and 2014’s audience favorite, Speakeasy.

The production boasts a wide array of the company’s talent with newcomers joining the ranks of RTP’s collective of theatrical artists. The cast is comprised of regional actors; Margot Adams, Vicki Haller Graff, Nina Kendall, Kyle Lewis, Christopher David Roché, Nelly Torres, and Amy Young. In addition to Gori and his cast, the production team includes: Christine Cieplinski (Costume Designer), Abbie Davies (Assistant Stage Manager), Craig Dodge (Lighting Designer), Andrew Pochan (Scenic Designer), Kris Savell (Production Stage Manager), and Chris Heslop (Music Director); who is creating an original score for the production.

“We are dedicated to our mission: To work as a collective and create new theatre inspired by our region. Reading and Berks County have such a wonderfully vibrant community that deserves to have their stories told,” says Managing Director, Christopher David Roché. “Thanks to the risk taking of Berks’ audience we have been able to grow and push the boundaries of theatre; forging an artistic home and identity. Without their support and investment we couldn’t take the creative risks we have and will continue doing.”

Performances of DEAD OF WINTER: Berks Haunting take place at the Olympian Ballroom, 603 Penn Ave, West Reading PA, 19611. Advanced tickets are available online at readingtheaterproject.com or through the box office. Ticket rates are: $20 adults ($25 at the door), $10 students (K-College) with industry and group rates available at [email protected]

The Reading Theater Project is multigenerational collective of performing artists who create new theater in Reading, PA. Since 2003, RTP has given local professional performing artists an artistic home, with opportunities for collaboration and development. For more information and ticket purchases please visit readingtheaterproject.com or call 484-706-9719.

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