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The Bay Theatre Company, Inc.
P.O. Box 5201  Annapolis, Maryland 21403                                             Tel. 410-268-1333
Fax: 301-261-1865                  Web: www.baytheatre.org            Email: info@baytheatre.org  

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: April 14, 2008 CONTACT: Niecy Chambers 410-263-1922

The Goat or, Who is Sylvia?, the Tony Award-winning play by famed American playwright, Edward Albee, opens May 9 for a six-week run at The Bay Theatre Company, Annapolis' first not-for-profit Equity theater. First produced on Broadway in 2002, The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? exemplifies Albee's genius for sharp, witty dialogue and realistic, fallibly human characters, forced to face the unimaginable. Albee takes themes of infidelity and sexuality to an unconventional extreme to reveal a devastating flaw in a family that has it all. Topical, in this day of public officials publicly exposed, and intensely thought-provoking, The Goat or, Who is Sylvia?, is a multi-layered expose of real and artificial values in American society. In Albee's words, it is a play about the "limits of tolerance...hypocrisies...and a man who's hopelessly in love."

Martin and Stevie Gray are a '70s-era couple who've made it to the 21st century. Liberal, well-educated, affluent, and, remarkably, still in love after twenty-plus years of marriage, they live in an upscale New York suburb with their gay teenage son, Billy. Martin is a world-renowned architect about to turn 50. When Ross, a television reporter and Martin's lifelong friend, comes to interview him on his achievements, Martin haltingly confesses that he has fallen in love, impossibly and inexplicably, with a goat. Ross divulges Martin's secret in a letter to Stevie, causing the family's seemingly perfect world to crumble.

Two New York-based actors will make their Bay Theatre debut. Tom Gregory, an Equity actor who has performed professionally in New York, New Jersey and California, as well as having more than fifty television credits, portrays Martin. Bret Jaspers, who acted extensively while earning his MFA at Brooklyn College and his BA at Duke University, appears as Billy. Janet Luby, an Equity actress with off-Broadway credits, plays the role of Stevie. Janet is the Bay Theatre Company's co-founder and Associate Artistic Director, and a frequent performer on the Bay Theatre stage. Ross will be played by Lee Ordeman, a Washington-area Equity actor with an MFA in acting from Catholic University. Lucinda Merry-Browne, Bay Theatre's Artistic and Managing Director, will direct and produce. The stage manager is Andy McLendon.

The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? opens Friday, May 9, 2008 and plays through Saturday, June 14, 2008. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors (age 65 or over) and $17 for students (with school ID).  Gift certificates and group rates are available.  Regular performances are scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. There will be four Thursday evening shows, May 20, and 27, June 5 and 12 at 8:00 p.m.; May 20 will be Pay What You Can Night. Post-show discussions with the actors will be offered after each Sunday performance. Audience members are invited to a complimentary reception opening night.  

Audiences are advised that this play contains adult themes and strong language. Tickets may be purchased online (www.baytheatre.org) or reserved by phone (410-268-1333) or email (reserve@baytheatre.org).  MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express are accepted.  The theater is located on the lower level of West Garrett Place, 275 West Street, Annapolis, Maryland.  Ample parking is available in the West Garrett garage on Amos Garrett Boulevard.  For driving directions, visit The Bay Theatre website (www.baytheatre.org) or call (410-268-1333).  Handicapped access is available; please call in advance to arrange.

This production is made possible through the sponsorship of Annapolis Community Bank, and the generous support of the MacQuilliam Organization, owner of 275 West Garrett LLC, the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, the Maryland State Arts Council, the City of Annapolis, and Anne Arundel County.

The Bay Theatre Company is a not-for-profit Equity theater company and studio in Annapolis, Maryland. Tucked away in the lower level of the West Garrett office building, the intimate, off-Broadway style house is in its sixth season. The Bay Theatre Company’s goal is to offer exciting productions that leave audiences thinking and transformed by the experience of the play. It exists as an artistic force in the community, providing opportunities for artists to work and a source of theater education for all ages.

The mission of Actors' Equity Association (AEA) is to advance, promote and foster the art of live theater as an essential component of our society. AEA represents more than 40,000 actors, singers, dancers and stage managers working in hundreds of theaters across the United States. Equity members are dedicated to working in the theater as a profession, upholding the highest artistic standards. Through its agreement with Equity, The Bay Theatre Company has committed to the fair treatment of the actors and stage managers employed in this production.