‘Exposed,’ a world premiere by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Beth Henley

Vassar and New York Stage and Film are pleased to announce the world premiere workshop presentation of "Exposed," a new play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Beth Henley, directed by David Esbjornson. This production will run Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20, at the Susan Stein Shiva Theater on the Vassar campus.

"Exposed" leaves the warmth of summer behind to enter the lives of five isolated individuals searching for a way to connect amidst a lonely Los Angeles Christmas season. Affluence meets desperation as the worlds of Jane, her husband Mike, Pye, Billy, and Reb collide. "Exposed" is a comic and poignant look at the complexities of modern-day intimacy.

The play was written by the acclaimed Beth Henley, who was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1981 for her debut work, "Crimes of the Heart". Henley later penned the film adaptation of the play, which received international praise and an Academy Award nomination. Her Broadway and Off-Broadway productions include "The Wake of Jamey Foster" and "The Debutante Ball." Henley is no stranger to the Hudson Valley, having previously premiered "The Revelers" (1994) and "Signature" (1990) at the Powerhouse Theater.

"Exposed" will be directed by David Esbjornson, the former Artistic Director of Classic Stage Company. Esbjornson returns to the Vassar campus after directing last year's triumphant Powerhouse production of "Tuesdays with Morrie." His previous Broadway and Off-Broadway work includes the Tony-winning "The Goat" or "Who is Sylvia" as well as "Rose and Geffen," "The Play About the Baby," and "The Ride Down Mt. Morgan." David Esbjornson also directed Tony Kushner's "Homebody/Kabul" at the Chelsea Center in London.

Powerhouse audiences will recognize the familiar face of Reg Rogers, who will appear as part of the "Exposed" cast. Rogers starred in 2000's mainstage production "The Dazzle" as well as "Intrigue" (1999) and "Cellini" (1998). The play will also feature Kate Forbes ("The Ladies of Othello," The Public and Broadway's "The School for Scandal" and "Inherit the Wind"), Keith Nobbs ("Dublin Carol," Atlantic Theatre and "Four," MTC), Erin Cherry ("The Blacks," Classical Theater of Harlem), and Ellen McElduff ("Dinner Rush" and television's "Oz").

"Exposed" will be performed July 18 and 19 at 8pm and July 20 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $18 and may be purchased through the Powerhouse Box Office in person or by phone, at either (845) 437-7235 or (845) 437-5599.

Since 1985, Vassar and New York Stage and Film's Powerhouse Summer Theater Season has produced remarkable works of theater and trained an entire generation of young artists through the apprentice-training program. For the past 19 years, Powerhouse has made Poughkeepsie a theater destination for thousands.

For further information, please contact Beth Fargis-Lancaster, executive producer of Powerhouse Summer Theater Program, at (845) 437-5902.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Monday, August 18th, 2003.