ELLENVILLE, NY (September 28, 2015) – Shadowland Theatre, Ellenville’s
popular Actors’ Equity theatre, closes its 2015 summer season with its 
production of “The Whipping Man” by Matthew Lopez. Directed by Shadowland
Artistic Director, Brendan Burke, the historical drama runs October 2 – 18
at the recently renovated venue.
“The Whipping Man”takes place over three days during Passover in 1865, in
Richmond, Virginia at the end of the Civil War. A Jewish confederate
officer has returned to his home, which has been abandoned except for two of the family’s slaves, both converted Jews. The two slaves must care for the soldier as they wait for the rest of family to return home. During an improvised Seder dinner, the men wrestle with their shared past, and family secrets are unearthed as the story takes an unexpected twist and comes to a thrilling climax.
The play won numerous awards after its premiere in 2011, including the
Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Play. “This exciting play covers a
short, yet remarkable period in time,” says Burke. “The Civil War ended on
April 9, 1965. Passover began on the 10th, and Lincoln was assassinated on
the 14th. This play covers three days during this amazing moment of
transformation. These characters arrive at this historical intersection
and are forced, through their common faith, to face a shared history more
connected than they had realized. It’s a thrilling play to produce.”
The Shadowland production stars Anthony Wills, Jr., Justin Pietropaolo and
Cortez Nance, Jr.
The show runs October 2 – 18 at the recently renovated theatre in
Ellenville. Regular ticket prices are $39 Thursdays-Saturdays, $34 on
Sundays. Show times are 8pm on Thursdays – Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm.
There are two extra performances: Saturday, October 3 at 2pm, and
Wednesday, October 14 at 8pm.
More information, including group ticket sales and educational packages,
is available at the box office at 157 Canal Street, Ellenville, NY, by
phone at 845-647-5511 and online at http://www.shadowlandtheatre.org.
