Opening of Two Roanoke Plays Delayed by Snowstorm

This week's snow is having effects all the way into next week and beyond, actually moving two theatrical productions to different opening nights.

Because rehearsals were covered in snow this week, opening night of Hollins MFA Playwright Wendy-Marie Martin's play "Ben & Rita" has been moved to Wednesday, February 19, and a matinee performance on Saturday, February 22 has been added. Details here.

Likewise, Off the Rails Theatre's production of  "Oleana"is delaying its opening until February 26 at Community High School. The show will run four consecutive nights: Feb. 26-March 1.  Ticket prices will be reduced to $10 Wednesday and Thursday and Friday and Saturday nights will be at the regular price of $15.

This production of "Ben & Rita is sponsored by Mill Mountain Theatre, Hollins University Theatre and The Playwright's Lab. Ben & Rita is directed by visiting guest director Cheryl Snodgrass, of Chicago, who has directed dozens of new plays in Roanoke going back to 2007.  The cast features three members of Roanoke's premier comedy improv company, Big Lick Conspiracy, Ross Laguzza, Ami Trowell and Kristin Banks, and Gwyneth Strope.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 540-362-6517 or visiting the website above. The play runs on MMT's Waldron Stage (the small stage) Feb. 19-22 with matinees Saturday and Sunday.

Here's a brief synopsis of the "Ben & Rita": "Rita's desperate need for attention has driven away everyone she's ever known. Ben never got close enough to anyone to scare them off in the first place. In fact, he hasn't left his apartment in 10 years. When Rita's widowed daughter, Eve, and her teenage child, Sammy, come to stay with Rita, the walls are broken down, literally. As Rita & Ben's worlds collide, they are faced with a choice. Continue to live in fear or take a chance on love?"

"Oleanna" is David Mamet's two-character play bout the power struggle between a university professor and one of his female students, who accuses him of sexual exploitation and, by doing so, spoils his chances of being accorded tenure.