‘The Seamstress of St. Francis Street”’ opens Saturday
This Saturday the First Run Theatre Company will open its summer show with a premiere production of “The Seamstress of St. Francis Street” by local African-American playwright Mario Farwell.
Jim Meady is the director of this drama about a family facing its trials and tribulations in St. Louis in 1958.
It’s summer in St. Louis in 1958 … a hot, lazy summer. The Cardinals are doing fairly well, although it doesn’t look as if they’ll be a contender for the National League pennant.
George and Helen Wilcox have lived in a quiet black neighborhood, with their pre-teen son Jesse and Helen’s Uncle Raymond, for a number of years. They are content with their socio-economic situation. George has a steady job and Helen runs a seamstress shop which, in spite of at least one ornery customer, is doing fairly well. They are a good Christian couple, and, aside from Jesse’s penchant to act up like some of his older schoolmates, they live a quiet, happy life.
This all changes when Camilla, Helen’s younger sister, bursts on the scene after a long absence in New York City. She is the antithesis of Helen and George and immediately starts to shake things up. What happens over the next several weeks is a whirlwind of emotions for the family involving unwelcome confrontations, revelations and soul-searching. Then, as fast as she came, Camilla is gone, leaving behind her a family who will never be the same.
Starring in this drama are Alexius Gandyloyd as Helen; Rene Dimanche as her husband, George; Jordan Ward as Jesse; Jacqueline Thompson as Camilla; Collins Lewis as Uncle Raymond; Natashia Griffin as Miss Summers, one of Helen’s customers; and Mark Moloney as Mr. Engelmeyer, a buyer from Famous and Barr.
First Run Theatre Company presents only full premiere productions of plays by St. Louis-area playwrights. It was founded on the premise that the theater community needs to support local playwrights and give them a chance to see their written words brought to life on the stage.
Mario Farwell is one of several well-known black playwrights in the St. Louis area. Several of his plays have been produced by First Run, most recently “I Am Goat.” This play was just selected as a “B” finalist in the Readers’ Theatre Series of New Plays at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Note that “The Seamstress of St. Francis Street” contains adult language and situations. Also, because of the time period in which it takes place, some language may seem offensive by today’s standards. First Run emphasizes that the use of this language is NOT gratuitous; it is used to reflect and emphasize the characters’ personalities. The theater company does not condone the social use of this language
“The Seamstress of St. Francis Street” will be performed on August 11, 16, 17, and 18 at 8 p.m. and August 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. All performances will take place at the Thomas Hunter Theater at DeSmet Jesuit High School in Creve Coeur
For more information, including directions to the theater and ticket prices, visit www.firstruntheatre.org, or call (314) 352-5114.