Lady Frederick
Fri.-Sat., April 26-27, 7 p.m. and Sun., April 28, 2 pm
Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St.
217-523-2631
THEATER | William Somerset Maugham play scheduled at Edwards Place
This romantic comedy by acclaimed British writer William Somerset Maugham was first performed in London in 1907. It later moved to Broadway where American actress Ethel Barrymore played the title role. Lady Frederick tells the story of an Irish widow, seriously in debt, who must deal with suitors who have various motives for proposing marriage. The lady also has to deal with the man with whom she once had an affair. The play, to be performed in a second parlor at Edwards Place, continues a tradition of vintage plays at the residence, according to director Mark Buckholz. Rachel Hettrick stars as Lady Frederick. Hettrick is surrounded by an experienced cast including Kevin Brownell as Paradine Fouldes and Ryan Davis as Lord Charles Mereston. Buckholz said the play "is at times reminiscent of Downtown Abbey and Oscar Wilde, inspired by the manners and foibles of England's aristocratic class in the first decade of the 20th century." Tickets can be purchased through the Springfield Art Association, springfieldart.org, and Edwards Place Historic Home, edwardsplace.org. Tickets are $10 for SAA members and $15 for nonmembers.
