ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS - Lora Adams and Steve Lasister star in Jeffrey Hatcher's adaptation of The Turn of the Screw, the classic ghost story by Henry James, running November 11 - 20. The Turn of the Screw will be directed by Patti Flaherty. The production is a limited run at The District Theatre in Rock Island and is being produced by Adams and Tristan Tapscott.
The play premiered at the Portland Stage Company in Portland, Maine in January 1996 and James' story has been described as "the quintessential ghost story." The story is told from the perspective of the Governess, which leaves the audience to wonder how accurate her story is. She claims she sees visions of the former governess and her lover and she is determined to save the children in her care from these ghostly visitors whom she perceives want to possess the children. It is interesting to note, that more than a century later there is a debate whether the ghosts are real or imagined and if the governess is mad.
"I have been wanting to produce this piece for a while but I was unable to secure a venue and one night while Tristan and I were working at Circa on 'Nana's Naughty Knickers' he told me that I could put it up at The District Theatre in November, and here we are," said Adams. "Lora and I have worked on productions together in the past and this was a perfect opportunity to add another production to the calendar at the District Theatre," said Tapscott. Tapscott was instrumental in securing Steve Lasiter for the production since Mr. Lasiter will be performing in "Chicago" and "Rocky Horror" at the District Theatre.
"What makes this adaptation so interesting is that Lora plays the Governess while Steve Lasiter portrays all of the other characters," said director Flaherty.
Flaherty directed Adams in the one-woman play "Bad Dates" several years ago at New Ground Theatre. "After 'Bad Dates' I knew Patti would have the right temperament to take a piece like this and make it work," said Adams.
The Turn of the Screw with play November 11, 12, 15, 18 and 19 at 7:30 pm and November 13 and 20 at 2:30 pm. Admission is $20 general admission, $18 Seniors (60+) and $15 students. The District Theatre is located at 1611 2nd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201. Reservations can be made by calling 309-235-1654. More information can be found at www.districttheatre.com
What: The Turn of the Screw by Jeffrey Hatcher
Where: The District Theatre, 1611 - 2nd Avenue, Rock Island 16201
When: November 11, 12, 15, 18 and 19 at 7:30 pm and November 13 and 20 at 2:30 pm
Admission: $20 general admission, $18 Seniors (60+) and $15 students
Reservations: 309-235-1654 or www.districttheatre.com
