Willsboro Drama Club to Present 'WIT' at SUNY Plattsburgh

PLATTSBURGH, NY (04/21/2010)(readMedia)-- The SUNY Plattsburgh theater department announces a performance of "WIT" by the Willsboro Drama Club May 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Hartman Theatre, Myers Fine Arts.

Written by Margaret Edson, "WIT" won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize and was Edson's first play.

The play reveals the last hours of Dr. Vivian Bearing, a renowned professor of English who has been diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. During the course of her illness, Bearing comes to reassess her life and her work.

"Wit" currently stars professional Broadway actress, Leslie Hearn, as Bearing, and is directed by Derrick Hopkins, an adjunct theater instructor at SUNY Plattsburgh.

"'Wit' is about the balance between 'Head and Heart,'" said Hearn, whose character has spent her life alone, preferring scholarship to humanity. "As chemotherapy and cancer weaken her and the doctors treat her as research, she learns to value kindness and compassion. Vivian is redeemed and dies in peace."

Hearn is joined by a dynamic supporting cast, which includes Annie-Laurie Burdo as Susie Monahan, Christian Ford as Dr. Harvey Kelekian, Jason Spencer as Dr. Jason Posner, and Jacky Wardell as Professor E. M. Ashford. Additional cast members include Margaret Dimock, Andrew Ducharme, Erin Ganter, and Cheryl Olson.

Hopkins said, "The allure of this show comes from Edson's stunning script. This is an emotionally charged, intricately woven theatrical piece that is filled with nuance and revelations."

Hopkins continued, "The actors portray truth through their characters, which is the most challenging form of creative expression."

Tickets are available at the door for $5. SUNY Plattsburgh student tickets are $2. Additional performances will be on May 7 and 8 at the Willsboro Central School Auditorium with a portion of the proceeds to benefit High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care. Call 518-963-4456 x400 or e-mail dhopkins@willsborocsd.org for more information.