Wit & Wisdom: Monologues of Ruth Draper
John Singer Sargent
press release: She’s back!
Or, at least her work is.
The monologues of Ruth Draper (1884-1956), the most famous actress you never heard of, will be brought to life again on Sunday, October 20, at 5:00 PM when TAPIT/new works Ensemble Theater brings its hit show, Wit & Wisdom: Monologues of Ruth Draper, to the Winnebago Café, 2262 Winnebago Street. Door opens at 4:00 PM.
Picture a fall afternoon with your funniest and most interesting friends, chock full of laughter, unexpected revelations, and sparkling commentary on the human condition.
That’s Wit & Wisdom, featuring a diverse cast of 8 female actors, aged 27- 82 in an immersive, cabaret-style performance.
Ruth Draper (1884-1956) was a solo performer long before it was cool. She literally performed before the crowned heads of Europe (Queen Mary and King George V) and counted Laurence Olivier and George Bernard Shaw among her fans. Agatha Christie modeled two characters after her – and Lilly Tomlin and Tom Waits both cite her as a major influence.
The monologues selected for Wit & Wisdom showcase Draper’s evergreen understanding of the human experience and her wicked sense of humor, administered with a kindly touch.
Audiences will visit a class in “Greek Poise,” track a married couple’s breakfasts through the years, follow the latest trends in doctors and diets, and, in general, learn more about Draper’s characters than they know about themselves.
The top-notch cast features area actors; Pam Adams, Liz Light, Kiki Moritsugu, Jody Reiss, Peggy Rosin, Sarah Whelan, and Danielle Dresden and Donna Peckett, of TAPIT/new works Ensemble Theater.
For tickets and information, contact brownpapertickets.com. Tickets are $20.00. https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4362983
or TAPIT/new works Ensemble Theater at info@tapitnewworks.org at or 608.244.2938.