Butterflies Are Free, by Leonard Gershe, opens February 27 at the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts on the Northeast Texas Community College campus. In this Tony Award-winning comedy, a young blind man and the free-spirited girl-next-door discover the values of self-reliance and dependence.
The play, performed by Theatre Northeast, centers on Don Baker, a Greenwich Village newcomer who struggles to create an independent life for himself apart from his family in Scarsdale. As Don settles into his cramped studio apartment, he starts a casual affair with a young actress who moves in next door. It isn?t long before her free-love attitude and fear of commitment complicate their relationship and clash with Don?s overbearing mother.
The play has been described as a ?warm, coming of age story in the 1960?s that will leave audiences glowing with laughter and love,? and "A lovely play. It is funny when it means to be, sentimental when it so inclined, and heartwarming.?
Featured in the roles of Don and Jill (the girl next door) are Distinguished Theatre Northeast Alumni Dylan Schlosser and Angela Chambers of Mount Pleasant.† Ariah Burkhalter of Mount Pleasant plays the role of the mother and Nick Derby of Mt. Pleasant the character Ralph. Corin Carter of Gilmer is the Stage Manager, Kathryn Comer of Omaha is the Assistant Director, and Haley Guest of Daingerfield is the Costume Designer. The production is directed by NTCC Theatre Professor Douglas Hoppock.
Butterflies are Free†will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on February 27, 28 and March 1 and 2:05 p.m. March 2. Admission is $10 for Adults, $7 for Age 17 and under and $5 for Sr. Citizens, NTCC Faculty and Staff. NTCC students are free with a current ID. Stage seating is limited and reservations are required by calling the Whatley Box Office at 903-434-8181.†Butterflies Are Free†contains some mature subject matter.
