January 08, 2015
Ashley Labonde/Wide Eyed Studios
Penelope Reed stars in "On the Verge," at Hedgerow through Feb. 8.
Philadelphia theater vet Kittson O'Neill is directing the Eric Overmyer comedy, which follows these three women as they jump from 1888 to the future. O'Neill gushed over the magical play, her Hedgerow directorial debut.
"It’s such a joyful play that embraces the theatrical in its writing and conception," she said in a statement.
"When we first began rehearsals, I had had a tough year, and events in the world made it seem like an angrier and more hostile place with a future that doesn’t seem so bright. Then I was surrounded by this wonderful play that changed my outlook and gives me hope," she said.
Like O'Neill, the world probably needs a bit of cheering up after the bleak year that was 2014.
Something else the world may need a bit of is more female characters like Overmyer's.
"Overmyer has written them as complete, complex people, and it’s a treat to see women portrayed so well," O'Neill said.
Playing these three women are Hedgerow Executive Director Penelope Reed, Jennifer Summerfield and Maryruth Stine. The fourth cast member, Hedgerow fellow Brock Vickers, plays the eight other roles in the play.
O'Neill is artistic associate for Philly's Interact Theatre Company and has participated in productions at Lantern Theater Company, Ambler's Act II Playhouse and the New Jersey Repertory Company, among other local venues.
Thursday, January 8 through Sunday, February 8
Showtimes vary | $15-$34
Hedgerow Theatre
64 Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley, Pa.
(610) 565-4211
