Open Eye Figure Theatre presents To The Moon!
Jan 14, 2013

Open Eye will once again draw from the "classics" for inspiration for a new work. Whereas a year ago, The Sorcerer's Apprentice was produced based on a 18th century poem, To The Moon draws from a more modern classic - The Honeymooners, a 1950's TV sitcom that while it aired only 39 episodes in XX years, landed iconically in the post World War II American Culture.

Michael Sommers deconstructs, interweaves, and tosses about these characters from the middle of the last century, collaborating with playwright Josef Evans to bring the concept of The Honeymooners as Greek Tragedy to life. "To the Moon!" takes audiences on a journey through a warped and hilariously unsettling version of "The Honeymooners." The show's characters return home after an unspoken tragedy and must navigate a radically altered vision of their world to find the humanity at its tarnished and troubling heart. We laugh our heads off as we realize sadly how little has changed.

In a quirky decision, Sommers has decided to cast four of the Twin Cities gifted and comedic actresses in the four choice roles. Maybe this is the one equalizer - that two great comedic men's roles have gone to great comedic women actresses.

The lead role portrayed by Jackie Gleason on TV is being created by Maren Ward, (one of the Artistic Directors of Bedlam Theatre) in the character of Jackie Ward. Alice, his wife will be played by Annie Enneking. Their ever-present neighbors, Ed and Trixie Norton are played by Kimberly Richardson and Emily Zimmer. These four actresses have all been recognized in their own right as stellar performers, appearing on the stages with Frank Theatre, Ten Thousand Things, Bedlam, Children's Theatre, as well as makers of their own original works.

Sommers has designed the set, Amelia Cheever will design the costumes, Michael Murnane will design lights, and Sean Healey will design the sound.

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