Slepian (left) resides at Winchester Gardens and has had a long and celebrated career as the author of books for children and young adults. Most recently, her work includes a column in the retirement community’s newsletter. These columns, previously collected into a book, are making their debut as a theatrical presentation.
A cornucopia of reflections on aging with humor and grace, this hour-long performance comments on the astonishment of being old, the heartbreak and comfort of companionship in later years, and the ridiculous moments in everyday life. It is at once bittersweet and insightful, and laugh-out-loud funny.
ASTONISHMENT is a collaboration between Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre in South Orange and The Theater Project at Union County College in Cranford. The play has been adapted by Dreamcatcher’s Artistic Director Laura Ekstrand and will be directed by Artistic Director of The Theater Project, Mark Spina. Presented in honor of Slepian’s 90th birthday, the play will run at Dreamcatcher on Saturday, January 15 (SOLD OUT), and and Sunday, January 16, at 2 PM, and at The Theater Project on January 21 at 8 PM and January 22 at 3 PM.
The cast features Dreamcatcher Resident Acting Company member Noreen Farley (Clinton), The Theater Project Acting Company member Daaimah Talley (Plainfield) and Terri Sturtevant (Hillsborough), an accomplished actor who has appeared on both stages and many others throughout the state. Acting as understudy for all the roles is Nancy Lee Ryan (West Orange), who has had a long career as both an actor and a singer. Original music will be provided by Don Slepian, a professional musician and son of the author.
Jan Slepian is the author of 28 children’s books and novels for young-adult readers. Her picture book THE HUNGRY THING is now a classic; her young-adult novel THE ALFRED SUMMER was honored by a National Book Award nomination and inclusion on the School Library Journal’s list of 100 books that shaped the century. She married noted mathematician David Slepian, has lived in Paris, Hawaii and New Jersey, and has three children and four grandchildren.
Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre at The Baird is located at 5 Mead Street in Meadowland Park, a few blocks from the center of downtown South Orange. The Theatre Project is located at Union County College, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford. Tickets are $15 at the door, or patrons may receive a $3 discount by purchasing tickets in advance at www.dreamcatcherrep.org or by calling 1.800.838.3006.
Both facilities are wheelchair accessible. Assistive Listening devices for the hearing impaired and advance large print scripts are available by prior arrangement. To purchase tickets or for information on any of Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre's programs, please visit http://www.dreamcatcherrep.org/ or contact Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre at The Baird, 5 Mead Street, South Orange, NJ 07079, 973.378.7754, ext. 2228.
