February at the Firehouse

Founded in 1993, The Firehouse Theatre Project produces contemporary theater of the United States in an authentic urban space — the 101-year-old former Station House No. 10 of the Richmond Fire Department. FTP’s presentation of recent Off-Broadway shows and original works, through main stage productions, readings, and the annual Festival of New American Plays, has brought […]

February 8, 2008; 10:51 AM • by FTRea

FTP’s presentation of recent Off-Broadway shows and original works, through main stage productions, readings, and the annual Festival of New American Plays, has brought to Richmond audiences a New York City black box theater experience — but at far lower ticket prices and with greater emphasis on the actor.

The third production of the 2007/2008 regular season, “The Late Henry Moss” by Sam Shepard opens to a sold-out house on Thur., Feb. 21, and runs through Sat., Mar. 15.

Directed by Morrie Piersol and featuring Bill Patton as the titular character; Daniel Moore and Justin Dray as his sons; Jennie Meharg; Jeff Clevenger; Scott Wichmann; Glenn Ryder; and Prasad Tupe. Sam Shepard fans will recognize in Henry Moss elements of a classic Shepard drama: hardscrabble living, father-son conflicts, and confrontations fueled by alcohol and punctuated by moments of profound humor.

Set in a long-neglected adobe bungalow in New Mexico, two estranged brothers return to the place of their upbringing to deal with their abusive father’s recent demise. A photo album and set of old tools serve as catalysts for the resurrection of memories long buried, and perhaps faulty. As Ray questions the cause of death, the story of Henry Moss’s last days unfolds in flashbacks.

The Cast: Director Morrie Piersol previously directed this season’s Spinning Into Butter by Rebecca Gilman. Bill Patton (Henry Moss) was last seen on the Firehouse stage in 2003 in Fast Hands, by Israel Horovitz. Daniel Moore (Earl Moss) starred in the fall 2005 production of The Goat – or Who is Sylvia? by Edward Albee. Justin Dray (Ray Moss) last appeared in Volume of Smoke by Clay McLeod Chapman in February, 2005; and Jennie Meharg was featured in Israel Horowitz’s Compromise in 2006. Scott Wichmann starred last season in the extended-run I Am My Own Wife by Doug Wright, and was also featured in The Secret of Mme. Bonnard’s Bath by Israel Horovitz.

Special Events

Thursday, February 21st: Sold Out! Opening Night Reception provided after the show by Bacchus.
Thur., Feb. 28: Talk Back Night — join the director, cast, and designers after the show for a discussion about the production as part of the Acts of Faith Festival.
Thur., Mar. 6: Doors open at 7 p.m. for a special wine tasting provided by Grape and Cheese. Show starts at 8 p.m.

Tickets: Individual $25; Seniors $22; Student $10 with valid ID. Click here to buy tickets online, or call the 24-hour ticket line at 1- 800-595-4TIX (595-4849).

Showtimes: 8 p.m. Thursdays — Saturdays; Sunday matinees at 4 p.m. Doors open a half-hour before showtime.

Click here to visit the Firehouse web site.

– The information above was provided by the Firehouse Theatre’s Stacie Birchett