NICKEL & DIMED
By Joan Holden
Based on the best-selling book by Barbara Erenreich
Directed by Mark SpinaWHEN: March 20 – April 6. Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8 PM, Sunday at 2 PM
WHERE: Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Rd, Maplewood, NJ
TICKETS: $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $15 for students.
Buy tickets online or call 908.809.8865The play’s main character is, coincidentally, a successful middle-aged author named Barbara, who has a successful writer-boyfriend and lawyer-daughter. Over an expansive expense account lunch, her editor scoffs at the idea that Barbara has the endurance to investigate the lives of low-wage workers by trying to survive on minimum wage jobs herself. Barbara refuses to be intimidated and sets off on a caper that tests her stamina, as well as that of her coworkers, employers and customers as she works her way through diners and discount stores, nursing homes and cheap hotels, and a stint as a bird sitter.
“A big surprise for many is that this play is a comedy, says Theater Project artistic director Mark Spina. “It looks at underemployment, income inequality and the need for living wages—huge economic issues being debated right now. But it dramatizes the lives of struggling workers with empathy and humor.” TIME Magazine called the play, "A rare example of theater that tries to open people's eyes to the way life is lived in the real world—and maybe even rouse them to action." (Above Clockwise from left: Sarah Brook Vandaman, Barbara Guidi, Gail Lou and Daaimah Talley. PHOTO CREDIT: Mary Iannelli)
Bev Sheehan (Maplewood) plays Barbara; Gary Glor (Union), Barbara Guidi (Scotch Plains), Gail Lou (Teaneck), Daaimah Talley (Plainfield), Sarah Brooke Vanaman (Jersey City), play all of the people who cross her path
The Theater Project is known for presenting outrageous comedy as well as drama with social commentary. Classes in Juggling, Puppetry, Music Theater and Improv are also available.
