Heartwood Opens Lovely January Drama

At last, the quiet, post-holiday evenings of January have arrived, and Heartwood Theater Company is on stage in the Poe Theater to fill a few of these evenings, with an engaging, award winning three-character play by Michael Hollinger, “Ghost-Writer.” Actors featured in this absorbing tale include two who are well known to the Midcoast Community, Dixie Weisman of Newcastle and Millie Santiago of West Boothbay, and a newcomer to Heartwood, Dwight Burtis of Thomaston. “Ghost-Writer,” winner of the 2011 Barrymore Award, is supported by season sponsor Bath Savings Institution and show sponsor Supplies Unlimited.

In this engrossing, old-fashioned drama directed by Griff Braley, novelist Franklin Woolsey (Dwight Burtis) dies mid-sentence, but his secretary Myra (Millie Santiago) “continues to take dictation.” Attacked by skeptics, the press and Woolsey's jealous widow (Dixie Weisman), Myra sets out to prove she is more than just an artful forger. Perhaps she is attempting to steal Woolsey's legacy now that she cannot have his love, or perhaps she truly possesses a gift the world cannot understand.

The Palm Beach Daily News captured the essence of this understated and lovely drama with the following: "It's many plays in one—a love story of the utmost restraint, an unbiased portrayal of a lover's triangle, a portrait of a seamless working partnership and a meditation on the act of creation.”

For a complete evening of winter delights, join one of several Heartwood Dinner Partner Restaurants supporting live theater performance and education at Heartwood this season: the Newcastle Publick House, Best Thai Restaurant, Damariscotta River Grill, King Eider’s Pub, Savory Maine and Salt Bay Café.

Performances will run for two weekends only in the Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy. Evening performances beginning at 7:30 will show January 18, 19, 25, and 26 with two Sunday 3:00 matinees, January 20 and 27. Seating is general, though special arrangements may be made at the time of reservation. Shuttle parking is available in the upper parking lot, with doorstep service – request at time of reservation. Tickets are $12/students and $20/adults. Reservations are strongly suggested , available at 207.563.1373 or boxoffice@heartwoodtheater.org. For show synopsis, venue directions and video trailers, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org. Produced by special permission with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.