Harlequin Productions Presents: Recent Tragic Events

On October 1, Harlequin Productions opens Recent Tragic Events, a smart, insightful comedy about a blind date on the day after 9/11. Penned by Craig Wright, Emmy-nominated writer for such shows as Six Feet Under and Lost, the play runs through October 24 at the State Theater in downtown Olympia.

When Andrew arrives at Waverly’s apartment for a blind date on September 12, 2001, the two are startled to discover a bizarre string of coincidences that seems to connect them. As Waverly tries to reach her identical twin sister – who may or may not have been in one of the Towers – their evening is further complicated by visits from her crazed-musician neighbor, Ron, his oddly-silent girlfriend, Nancy, and Waverly’s great aunt, Joyce Carol Oates – played by a sock puppet. Hilarity and audacity are the hallmarks of this lively examination of fate vs. free will that serves as a welcome balm for what still ails all of us.

The five-person cast includes several recognizable names from previous Harlequin shows including Leah Scofield, last seen in The Stardust Christmas Commotion, and Mark Alford, Christian Doyle, and Maggie Ferguson-Wagstaffe, all three of whom were last scene in Laughter on the 23rd Floor. The show also features Harlequin newcomer Eleise Moore.

“The play is absolutely hilarious,” said the show’s Director and Harlequin Managing Artistic Director Scot Whitney. “It’s an unconventional theater experience that combines whimsically hysterical comedy with a powerful dramatic punch to create a rare kind of theatrical magic.”

Rush tickets available at Box Office ½ hour before curtain.  Contains mature language.

SPECIALS:     Post-Show Talkback: October 2, Pay What You Can Night: October 7, Ladies’ Night Out: October 9, Pride Night: October 16