We love our cougars here in Miami, but A Round-Heeled Woman, which opens at GableStage tonight, is something else entirely. The play chronicles the coital adventures of Jane Juska, a retired school teacher who has not had sex in 30 years.
Juska is a late baby boomer looking for a little boom-boom when she places a personal ad in the New York Review of Books. "Before I turn 67, next March, I would like to have a lot of sex with a man I like. If you want to talk first, Trollope works for me." The overwhelming response lays the groundwork for the play, which explores the complicated yet also comedic relationships that ensue. Talk about a play that will spark the interest and libidos of Miami's geriatric community. Read on.
Originally a best-selling book, then adapted to the stage by playwright
and director Jane Prowse, the word from GableStage Producing Artistic
Director, Joseph Adler is some of the play's scenes are quite explicit.
"You rarely see theatre deal this frankly with this age group's
sexuality," he says.
The production has secured a stellar cast,
including multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner Sharon Gless in the lead
role. You may recognize Gless from her work in Cagney & Lacey,
Nip/Tuck, Queer as Folk and most recently Burn Notice. Joining Prowse
and Gless is an impressive roster of local talent: Antonio Amadeo
(Carbonell winner for the GableStage production of the Pillowman),
Stephen G. Anthony (fresh off an amazing appearance in Michael
McKeever's South Beach Babylon), Kim Ostrenko (recently off a full
feature film Dolphin Tale, starring Morgan Freeman), and Laura Turnbull
(a Summer Shorts favorite).
And if you've never been to the GableStage, the theater should be as
much a lure as anything. It is a beautiful and comfortable box, produced
by a loyal and competent company, located at a national treasure.
Support local theater. You won't be disappointed.
A Round-Heeled Woman's Southeastern premiere debuts at GableStage (1200
Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables) tonight and runs through
January 30th. Tickets cost $37.50 to $42.50. Call 305-445-1119 or
visit gablestage.org.
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