Piecework: Reading Quilts at the Ice House
Stitching together local writers, actors and quilters, the Morgan Arts Council presents staged readings of three one-act plays with matching quilts at the Ice House. A ticket to the productions on Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 6 at 3 p.m., brings playgoers not only the pleasure of the productions but a chance to win one of the small quilts created to match each play. The Ice House Gallery and additional rooms are currently hung with more than 100 quilts and wall hangings as part of the annual Delectable Mountains Quilt Show.
"It is hard to recall who came up with the notion first, the writers or the quilters or the theater folks," said Abbie Brown who is directing all three of the staged readings. "Not that it matters," she added. "Everyone was really enthusiastic about working together."
Featured in the staged readings are regulars from the Ice House Theater Project including Jane McCloud, Sharon Carpenter-Rose and Charles Balkan. New to the stage is MAC Executive Director Mary Hott. Lindsay Unger and her father Keith round out the cast. Laurie Fischer, Zach Ziler and Logan Smailes provide technical support.
The first play is Brightest Star written by Ami Vermillion with a quilt by Rika Bennett. It is the story of a young family with a sick daughter that is given an extraordinary gift. Bea Jakubowski's Murbled Marmoset features the perils and rewards of bird watching in the Northwest and has a quilt by Johnni Schell. Crazy Quilt by Leigh Horne with a quilt by Pat Fischer explores the important question: Are there angels to remind us of all the good times? "If rehearsals are any indication, the audience will laugh and cry at these stories," said Brown.
Extra raffle tickets will be available at each performance and winners must be present. No reservations will be taken; first come, first served seating only. The Quilt Show may be seen at the Ice House Gallery from 11am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It hangs through May 28. For more information call 304-258-2300.
