BLOOMINGTON – In 1955, Elvis was king, the first television sets were put in homes, and poodle skirts were all the rage. Immerse yourself in a community of 1950s reenactors in Maple & Vine, a compelling and timely drama written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Jordan Harrison. See it on stage from March 27 to April 13 at the Constellation Playhouse (107 West 9th Street) in downtown Bloomington.
Maple and Vine follows Katha and Ryu as they become allergic to their 21st-century lives. When they meet a charismatic man from a community of 1950s re-enactors, they decide to forsake cell phones and DoorDash for cigarettes and Tupperware parties. But after moving to this compulsively authentic world, Katha and Ryu are surprised by what their new neighbors—and they themselves—are willing to sacrifice for happiness.
Constellation is excited to bring together a talented mix of local and non-local professional actors for this production! Returning to Constellation are Bobby Ayala Perez, previously seen in Constellation’s Productions of Holmes & Watson and The Play That Goes Wrong, and Megan Massie, a Louisville-based actor who was previously seen in Cardinal Stage’s 2022 production of Ada and the Engine. Making their Constellation debuts are Scott Russell, an Indianapolis-based member of Actors Equity, Jeramy Rafal, a New York City-based Equity member and alumnus of Jacobs School of Music, and Christine Zavakos, an Indianapolis-based performer who has been seen at Beef and Boards and regional theaters and tours across the country.
At the helm of this production is director Ansley Valentine, a professor at IU’s Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance and a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC). Outside the university, he directed Cardinal Stage’s 2022 production of The Mountaintop, Fairfield at Phoenix Theatre, and many more. Joining the creative team are Set Designer David Wade, Lighting Designer Jennifer Fok, Costume Designer Guy Clark, Sound Designer David Sheehan, Stage Manager Philip Christiansen, and Assistant Stage Manager Chelsea Pell.
Maple and Vine run March 27 – April 13 at the Constellation Playhouse (107 W 9th St); tickets are on sale now! Tickets start at $35 for adults and $20 for students. In addition to traditionally priced performances, Constellation offers Pay What You Will Thursdays for all Thursday evening performances. This program, supported by Jessika and Bryan Hane, allows audiences to choose their ticket price ($5-$75) when attending on Thursday evenings. Tickets are available through Constellation’s website (seeconstellation.org), over the phone at 812-336-9300 (Mon-Fri 12-5 p.m.), or in-person at 122 South Walnut St (open Wed-Fri 12-5 p.m.).
