Season Information
08/09 Season
The Dresser
Written by Ronald Harwood
Directed by David Ellenstein
January 17 - February 8, 2009
Previews January 14 - 16, 2009
Box Office: (858) 481-1055
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This magnificent double portrait of an old actor-manager touring the provinces of England during the Second World War and the loyal dresser who so devotedly serves him is perfect for anyone who loves the theatre. As German planes strike during the London blitz, we partake in a performance of King Lear and the comical and moving journey of human relations that occur. Nominated for Best Play at the Laurence Olivier Awards in 1980, we are delighted to welcome San Diego favorite Jonathan McMurtry back to North Coast Rep as he assays the role of “Sir”.
"'The Dresser' a satisfying blend…warmth and heart… a marvel… touching" |
“NCR’s ‘Dresser’ a love poem to theatre...Anyone who loves theater will want to see this…stirring, funny, impeccably cast" |
“excellent…fascinating to watch… a wonder” - San Diego Reader Read More >> |
“Jonathan McMurtry gives a tour de force performance in an intense and amusing production” - Pat Launer - San Diego Theatre Scene Read More >> |
Born in South-Africa in 1934, Ronald Harwood moved to London in 1951 to pursue a career in the theater. After attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, he joined the Shakespeare Company of Sir Donald Wolfit, one of the last 'actor-manager' of Great-Britain. In the early 1950s, Ronald Harwood abandoned his own acting aspirations to become the backstage dresser for Sir Donald Wolfit. That experience led to the writing of "The Dresser", a hit play in London (1980) and on Broadway (1981) which subsequently became a successful film (1983) Although Harwood began his career as a stage actor, he had TV and film projects produced before he became established as a playwright with "Country Matters", produced in Manchester, England, in 1969. Despite writing numerous plays since, none has reached the international acclaim of "The Dresser". Harwood has also published more than a half dozen novels, as well as collections of essays and short stories. He has also edited a biography of John Gielgud (1984), and written the definitive work on Sir Donald Wolfit (1971). He is alive and well today, currently living in London, England.
Susan Denaker* Her Ladyship
Lynne Griffin* Madge
Kali Kirk Irene
Jason Maddy Oxenby
Jonathan McMurtry* Sir
Mark Petrich Geoffrey
Sean Sullivan* Norman
*Member of Actors' Equity Association
| Director David Ellenstein | Costume Designer Michelle Hunt |
| Scenic Designer Marty Burnett | Sound Designer Sam Learner |
| Light Designer Matt Novotny | Prop Designer Bonnie Durben |
