“The Madwoman of Chaillot”

Political Satire from the Mountain Community Theater

BEN LOMOND — Mountain Community Theater proudly presents “The Madwoman of Chaillot,” a political satire highlighting the clash of greed & unchecked corporations against the freethinkers, artists & dreamers, written by Jean Giraudoux, and adapted by Maurice Valency.  Directed by renowned theater veteran Kylan Thureockes.

The Madwoman of Chaillot was written as the Nazis occupied Paris & were determined to undermine the vibrant artist population, raze the city and construct a new “modern” city free of dissent and void of emotion. The current French government was deporting Jewish people. France was in shambles. Giraudoux captures the essence of the common person no longer in control of their destiny, a feeling of human disconnection and the rise of corporate greed. Profits at any cost – human, environmental and artistic. Power was in the hands of few and dreams were destroyed. Using poetic satire and a colorful cast of characters, the play speaks to environmental concerns, the folly of greed, good over evil, and the power of individualism.

Enter the eccentric Countess Aurelia, the Madwoman of Chaillot, who actively opposes the corrupt developers and the destruction their greedy scheme could have on the community.  Aurelia, a dreamer who believes that people are good and generous, enlists a bohemian army of like-minded locals including “The Rag-Picker” and her circle of fellow Countesses, all Madwomen in spirit.  Together they wage battle against the evildoers to protect their home.  With humor and humanity, this play reminds us that everyone can make a difference, and that no cause need be helpless.

The dynamic cast features Shane Johnson as the Rag Picker, Michael La Mere as the President, Jackson Wolffe as the Prospector, Scott McKay as the Baron, Liz Hodgin as Countess Aurelia, and Rita Wadsworth as Madame Constance. Against the backdrop of these seasoned veterans and a steam punk inspired fantasy world featuring an original recorded musical score, this cast completes the cycle of the current Occupy movements by bringing the culprits to trial and ultimately banishing them for good.

Performances will be at Ben Lomond’s Park Hall, 9400 Mill St., from Friday, May 29, through Sunday, June 14. Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 8 p.m., with a Thursday night performance on June 4 at 8 pm. Sunday matinee performances are May 31, June 7 and June 14 at 2 pm.  Admission is $20 General, $17 Students or Seniors, and $10 for Youth 12 and under. Tickets available at www.mctshows.org, or www.brownpapertickets.com.

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Mountain Community Theater (MCT) is the longest-running community theater in Santa Cruz County, started in 1982 by a collective of actors.  MCT is a member-run non-profit organization. For more about MCT and its “Miracle,” visit www.mctshows.org.