Mary Baldwin University Theatre presents the world premiere production of Whispers and Lies by Mary Baldwin alumna Amy Cuomo, professor of theatre at the University of West Georgia. The play runs at 7:30 pm, Wednesday, April 2 through Saturday, April 5, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 6 in the Fletcher Collins Theatre in Deming Fine Arts Center. The playwright will lead a “talk back” information session for the audience at Thursday’s performance.
Whispers and Lies tells the story of young Caitlin Flynn, an Irishwoman who comes to Boston at the turn of the twentieth century to investigate her immigrant sister’s disappearance. Caitlin goes to work for the wealthy Morrison family: the domineering Mrs. Morrison, the ailing Mr. Morrison, and their directionless, but charming son, William. While there Caitlin befriends and antagonizes her fellow servants and quickly learns that not everything at the Morrison manor is as it seems. The action shifts between past and present as Caitlin navigates the dangerous territories of family, love, loss, and betrayal. As the play careens toward its revelatory unavoidable ending, the characters are forced to confront their deepest fears.
Cuomo’s experience as a screenwriter infuses Whispers and Lies with a cinematic quality that distinguishes it from previous Mary Baldwin theatre productions. These performances also mark the return of director Dr. Virginia Francisco, and production is by Sam Koogler, Mary Baldwin technical director. The cast features undergraduate students Tori Atkins as Caitlin, Gabrielle Sutton as Bridget, Bridget Burner as Annie, Mary Catherine Mahoney as Mrs. Morrison, and local actors James Cramer as Mr. Morrison and Tommy Ryan as William Morrison.
The public is invited to attend: for tickets and reservations or for more information, call 540-887-7189, or go online. Admission is $12 for adults and $7 for all students, seniors, and Mary Baldwin faculty and staff.