The Northeast Theatre

presents

The Poor of Scranton

adapted from Dion Boucicault’s 1857 hit, The Poor of New York

by John Beck

The Poor of New York was the first play ever to tour nationally, and it changed title and settings to suit each city it visited. Now this hit of New York’s 1857 season finally plays Scranton. The Northeast Theatre presents The Poor of Scranton, November 16 - December 10, Performance Space at the Jermyn, 326 Spruce Street, 2nd Floor, Downtown Scranton. Purchase tickets at the box office Wednesday through Saturday after 3 p.m., by phone at 570-558-1515, or online at www.thenortheasttheatre.us. Your professional theatre in the heart of Scranton.

What

The Poor of Scranton -- originally written by Dion Boucicault as The Poor of London, based on the French play, Les Pauvres de Paris, and brought to the States as The Poor of New York -- was the first play to leave on national tour from New York, and changed title and setting to suit each city it played. Now, 148 years later, it finally comes to Scranton in an adaptation by John Beck. Directed by David Zarko, with musical accompaniment by cellist Joan Daniels, it is an adventure-filled, suspenseful, romance that richly illustrates the skullduggery of greed, the rigors of poverty, and the joys of love. Ultimately, however, it is a play about compassion and generosity, and is perfect family entertainment for the holiday season.

Sponsors

The Poor of Scranton is made possible in part by the generous support of Will Chamberlin and Katherine LeSoine.

Who

Dublin-born playwright Dion Boucicault wrote for the London and New York stage between 1838 and 1886. He authored as many as 135 plays. He was also instrumental in the development of the commercial system with its components (still common) of the out-of-town tryout, the New York run, and the national tour. He was also one of the founders of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, the oldest acting school in the English speaking world. The Poor of Scranton is an adaptation of Boucicault’s play, The Poor of New York, by Scranton writer and historian, John Beck.
The cast of The Poor of Scranton includes New York actors Maura Malloy, David Berent, and David Walters, Pittsburgh actress Barbara Blackledge, and area actors Colleen Davis, Emily Ehlinger, Christopher Estavez, Elizabeth Feller, James Langon, Conor McGuigan, Michaela Moore, William Moore, Mike Robertson, James Sanderson, and Adam Walker-Serrano.
Sets are by Jonathan Strayer, lights by James Langan, and costumes by Rachael Miller. Music is compiled by Tasha Williams, directed by Dolores Dominick-Noll, arranged by Elizabeth Feller, played by cellist Joan Daniels, and sung by the cast. The production is directed by David Zarko.

When and Where

• November 16 through December 10, 2006
• Performance Space at the Jermyn, 326 Spruce Street 2nd Floor, Downtown Scranton

Admission

• November 16 and 30: Cheaper-Than-a-Movie Thursday (all tickets $5)
• November 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, December 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 & 10: General $20, Seniors (60 and over) $15, Students (25 and under) $5

Buying Tickets

Tickets may be purchased at the box office, Wednesday through Saturday 3 p.m. to curtain, by phone at 570-558-1515, or online at www.thenortheasttheatre.us