Colorado PLAY PREMIERE — "In the Next Room, or the vibrator play"



Mrs. Givings, played by Stephanie Philo, is curious about the

treatment that allows patients to leave her husband's room

relaxed and rosey-cheeked. Photo by Nathan Willers 



Critiques on the Victorian lifestyle are probably a part of some of our academic required reading, like Austin's Pride and Prejudice, Dickens' Great Expectations, and Bronte's Wuthering Heights, but playwright Sarah Ruhl adds a little more interest to this literary tradition. Her play, In the Next Room (or the vibrator play), incorporates sexual humor in addition to the more serious issues of marital problems and women's sexual liberation during the late 19th century. Dr. Givings begins experimenting with an 'alternative treatment' of vibrator therapy for women suffering from hysteria. The sounds that come from the treatment room confuse and intrigue his wife, who begins a quest for her own personal and sexual satisfaction.

Nominated for three 2010 Tony Awards after its Broadway debut in Fall 2009, In The Next Room makes its state-wide premier Feb 2, and will run until the 19th under the directorial debut of Joye Cook-Levy. Tickets are available online or by calling the FAC box office at 719.634.5583.

Don't forget to check out the FAC's special events related to the play, including a film screening, post-performance TalkBack, ladies night, and a post-performance backstage tour.



With Café 36's reopening, pre-theatre dinner options will now be available—with a yummy menu online here, including desserts specifically inspired by the play, like Chocolate Seduction Cake and Passion Fruit Mousse.

CAST MEMBERS

Stephanie Philo - Mrs. Givings

Chad Siebert - Mr. Givings

Tracy Liz Miller - Mrs. Daldry

Tom Auclair - Mr. Daldry

Amy Brooks - Annie

Marisa Hebert - Elizabeth

Max Ferguson - Leo 













Barbara Sparks' photos from around the world

Barbara Sparks. Namaste, Kagbeni, Nepal, 1986 

Last month, Barbara Sparks’ photography exhibit entitled “Coalescence” opened in the second-floor galleries at the FAC. Its opening may have gotten lost in all the holiday and end of year affairs, but we encourage you to come look at this amazing collection of over 60 black-and-white photographs from around the world. 

Sparks is a self-described “semi-native” to Colorado, moving to Colorado Springs from New Jersey 50 years ago. The unique and diverse landscape of Colorado is the subject of some Sparks’ photography, but this exhibit also displays international landscapes and cultures. Sparks’ travels have taken her to Nepal, Turkey, Italy, Guatemala and the United States Southwest.

“I have photographed unique cultures in unique geologies,” said Sparks. “In the Himalayas, I was interested in the unique geology and the overflow of Tibetan culture into northern Nepal. In Cappadocia, Turkey, I was in an area that was already settled at the time of Christ; then it became home to a large monastic community and 2,000 years later remains a fertile farming region. It was a unique geology and a unique culture. I did the same thing by going to Guatemala and photographing the Mayan villages there.” 

“Coalescence” is on view – but only until Feb 19, so hurry before the exhibit comes down! Sparks photography is also at the Broadmoor’s Hayden Hays Gallery if you want to see more of her work, and maybe bring one home too.

Spark’s book, Far Flung Places: The Photography of Barbara Sparks is her first solo publication, but her work also appears in numerous books on the Colorado Rockies. Far Flung Places is available at the FAC's museum shop, LUMA.

Happy New Year!

While it's only day 6 in 2012, so far it's been a really great year. We hope 2012 is treating you well, and before it's too late, thank you for sharing and celebrating a memorable 2011 that marked 75 years of the Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs. Below is a short review of special event, classes, lectures, exhibitions and performances during 2011. Enjoy, and we welcome you to share your special 2011 moments at the FAC!