For Immediate Release: January 11, 2005
Media Contact: David J. Abers, Bristol Riverside Theatre, 215.785.6664

The next show on the boards at Bristol Riverside Theatre is the winner of both the 1980 Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award as best play of the season.

Talley's Folly, by Lanford Wilson, shows one evening in the courtship of two unlikely lovers, Sally Talley and Matt Friedman. Sally is from a conservative, small-town, wealthy family of bigoted Protestants, and Matt is a Jewish accountant twelve years older than Sally. The story of how they became brave enough to reveal their most painful secrets is considered one of Mr. Wilson's most hopeful and affirming plays.

The story takes place on July 4, 1944 in Lebanon, Missouri in the deserted Victorian boathouse on the Talley estate. Matt arranges a clandestine meeting with Sally and their evening together is a lyrical waltz set in three-quarter time. But theirs is also a dance with plenty of missteps, too. Matt and Sally are complex people with secrets too painful to share and a deep wariness of involvement. Through some of the wisest and most tender dialogue written, two people in the midst of world upheaval find comfort and refuge in this splendid valentine. It is a tale of two lonely hearts, two fragile souls, and one love story.

For BRT's production of Talley's Folly, Director Susan D. Atkinson has chosen Buzz Bovshow to play Matt Friedman and Lori Fischer as Sally Talley. Buzz, who was trained at the Yale School of Drama, has had an extensive career in New York at such theatres as Classic Stage Company, New York Shakespeare Festival, En Garde Arts and The 52nd Street Project. His regional theatre credits include such shows as The School for Wives, Gross Indecency and Driving Miss Daisy. Mr. Bovshow's TV credits include Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Spin City, Sex and the City and Cosby. Lori Fischer is the author of the critically acclaimed play Barbara's Blue Kitchen and has starred in productions of the play in regional theatres since 2000. In addition she created the role of Lee in the hit musical Cowgirls as well Mary in Westbeth Theatre Center's production of The Life. Regionally, she has appeared at The Old Globe Theatre. Seattle Repertory Theatre, The Berkshire Theatre Festival, Theatre Virginia, Shenandoah University, Michigan State Theatre, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, and Playmaker's Repertory Company where she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the title role in the show Violet. In addition, Ms. Fischer is a published songwriter with her works ranging from a Top 40 Country hit (It's Easy for You) to the children's CD/video Pat the Bunny Sing With Me! released by Golden Books/Sony Wonder. She is also the author of Golden Books children's book, The Things That You Can Do! A two-time All American in Track and Field, she has sung the National Anthem for the New York Yankees and the Cincinnati Reds.

In addition to Susan D. Atkinson as director, the creative team for Talley's Folly includes scenic designer Brian Ruggaber who is a newcomer to BRT but has designed over 70 productions for theatres across the country. Barrymore nominee Charles S. Reece will be the lighting designer for this production and returning BRT favorite Alan Michael Smith will design the costumes.

Like all BRT shows, Talley's Folly has a limited run of only 21 performances. The show runs from January 25 to February 13, 2005. Tickets can be ordered on-line or by calling the box office at 215-785-0100.

Special Event evenings and performances, as well as subscriber benefits, make now the best time to join the BRT family. Call the Box Office at 215-785-0100 for information on subscriptions, or visit us on the web at www.BRTstage.org.

For information regarding Bristol Riverside Theatre, this press release, or to arrange for interviews call David J. Abers at 215-785-6664.

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