Wilkes University Theatre Program Presents "Gemini"
By: Jayne Ann Bugda
Updated: March 21, 2013
"Gemini," a play by Albert Innaurato, gets a new staging from Wilkes University. Controversial in its time for its frankness and advocacy about homosexuality, "Gemini" drew critical attention as it was performed over the next several decades. Joseph Dawson, associate professor and chair of performing arts at Wilkes University, directs.
Wilkes Students (left to right):
Back Row: Cierra Cellerari and Corey Martin.
Front row: Jimmy Basquill and James Daly.
Performances will be held in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 11, 12 and 13, at 8 p.m, and on Sunday, April 14, at 2 p.m.
Set in a South Philadelphia neighborhood in the summer of 1973, this comedy-drama invites you to celebrate the 21st birthday of Harvard student Francis Geminiani. His divorced blue collar father Fran, Fran's widowed girlfriend Lucille, the next door neighbor Bunny Weinberger and her odd, overweight son Herschel are a hilarious and touching world that Francis just doesn't fit into. With the unexpected arrival of Francis' Harvard WASP classmates, Randy and his sister Judith, the party really gets started. Can a dysfunctional working class family ever acknowledge a son that doesn't quite fit their mold?
Innaurato, an American playwright, theatre director and writer, was born in Philadelphia, Pa. He graduated from California Institute of the Arts and attended the Yale School of Drama. His production of "Gemini" addresses the difficulties of the acculturation process and the tensions caused by different perspectives and values between second and third generation Americans.
General admission and alumni admission for "Gemini" is $10. Student/senior admission is $5. Admission for current Wilkes students with valid ID is free.
Tickets are available via the box office at 570-408-4540. For more information, call 570-408-4431.
