Silas House's new play at Actors Guild of Lexington: The world premiere of an original work by a celebrated Kentucky author would whet any theater lover's appetite, mine included. As a native of Eastern Kentucky, I'm curious to see how AGL portrays Appalachia and whether House's literary prowess continues to translate to the stage. Details TBA. (859) 233-7330. www.actorsguildoflexington.org.)
Six Degrees of Separation at Studio Players, March 19-April 5: No, it is not the Kevin Bacon game. It is the title of John Guare's 1991 Tony-nominated play about a con man who swindles his way into the lives of innocent people, wreaking havoc in his wake. Director Eric Seale has a flair for dark, edgy material, and I'm betting this thriller is no exception. (www.studioplayers.org.)
The Infamous Ephraim at Pioneer Playhouse, June 23-July 4: On Christmas morning 1809, Danville doctor Ephraim McDowell performed the first successful surgical removal of an ovarian tumor on Jane Todd Crawford, who lived for 32 more years. Two hundred years later, Pioneer Playhouse artistic director Holly Henson presents her original play about McDowell's courage and innovation as he made medical history. McDowell's home still stands and is open to the public. You can visit the McDowell House during the day and see the play at night after feasting on the Playhouse's pre-show Southern dinner. (www.pioneerplayhouse.com. (859) 236-2747.)
The African Company Presents Richard III by UK Theatre, April 2-5: Housed in UK's intimate Briggs Theatre, this show highlights the plight of an African-American theater company in the early 19th century as its members struggle to produce classic plays, in this case, Richard III, while fighting racism and slavery. I am not generally a fan of theater about theater, but this case is exceptional. Based on a fascinating true story, this play exposes a unique chapter in African-American history and theater history while providing a sophisticated examination of the powerful role of art among disenfranchised peoples. (www.uky.edu/FineArts/Theatre.)
