Iron Age Theatre
&
The Centre Theater
Present

At a run down resort on the wild, jungle covered west coast of Mexico an unlikely group of travelers arrive, all running from something.

The group is lead by a defrocked minister named Shannon, now guiding tourists south of the border to make ends meet. Shannon is leading a busload of school teachers from Texas, showing the unwilling and unhappy ladies the seamy side of Mexico. At the same time a broke and grieving painter, the sad, repressed Hannah and her aged poet grandfather arrive, desperate for shelter.

Shannon is at the end of his rope physically and spiritually and has come to the seedy resort to dry out. The place is run by the sexy widow Maxine who would like keep him there forever.

Shannon ends up in a steamy love triangle with the women as he fights to regain his own soul during a tropical storm that lashes the resort.

The play, written by Williams in 1961, is his last great script. Williams won two Pulitzer prizes and is one of the most renowned American writers. Best known for “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” “The Glass menagerie,” and “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Williams explores many of the same themes and emotions in “Night of The Iguana.”

Many people know the story from the 1964 movie that starred Richard Burton as the preacher. The film ,directed by John Huston, was a passionate exploration of sex, repression and salvation. The film also starred Deborah Kerr and Ava Gardner in her best screen portrayal.

According to director John Doyle “Night of the Iguana” will be a powerful, exciting and intense night of theatre. “This is a play by a master dramatist at work,” said Doyle. “It’s sexy, exotic and emotional, you really feel for these people who are at the end of their ropes and looking for a little compassion.” Doyle added the play is quite funny, even in it’s most extreme moments.

Irene Baird plays the earthy, tough and fiery resort owner Maxine. Baird is the most respected acting teacher in Philadelphia. She was the acting teacher at Villanova University for many years and currently teaches theatre and acting at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She also has a private acting studio. Known for her intense, challenging training, Baird has trained many of the best actors in the region. She has a long distinguished acting career in her own right, receiving rave reviews for her performances in “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” and “Death of a Salesman,” among many others.

Playing the disgraced preacher on the run from his conscience is Anthony Giampetro. Giampetro received glowing reviews for his portrayal of the washed up boxer in “Requiem for a Heavyweight,” and the deaf mute Indian in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

Terri Epp plays the lonely painter Hannah, who is fleeing from her own demons at the run down resort at the end of the world.

Michael Dura play the aged poet, and Gerre Garrett is the aggressive, loud music teacher on Shannon’s tour of the dark side of Mexico. Garrett and Dura both appeared in the critically acclaimed production of “Luther” in Philadelphia last fall.

At a Rounding out the outstanding cast are Amanda Schoonover as the lusty, precocious musical prodigy and Dorden Bivings as the driver. Patrick Edward White and Mario Cotto as appear.

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