Press Cuttings & Passion, Poison and Petrifaction

October 22, 2007

Press Cuttings (1909): A topical sketch compiled from the editorial and correspondence columns of the daily papers during the Woman’s War in 1909. This is Shaw’s “suffragette comedy,” involving a Prime Minister in drag, a conservative General out of control, and some very determined women!

Passion, Poison, and Petrifaction (or The Fatal Gazogene) (1905): One of Shaw’s most light-hearted larks: involving murder, sex, betrayal, finance, and seltzer.

Both written by George Bernard Shaw.

Cast for PRESS CUTTINGS:

General Mitchener of the Army Council — Mr. Brian Murray
Balsquith, Prime Minister — Mr. Matthew Arkin
Mrs. Farrell, War Office Chairwoman — Ms. Annie Golden
An Orderly — Mr. Euan Morton
Mrs. Banger, Secretary of the United Anti-Suffragettes — Ms. Charlotte Moore
Lady Corinthia Fanshawe — Ms. Jayne Houdyshell

Cast for PASSION, POISON AND PETRIFACTION:

Lady Magnesia Fitztollemache — Ms. Jayne Houdyshell
Phyllis (her maid) — Ms. Annie Golden
George Fitztollemache (her husband) — Mr. Brian Murray
Adolphus Bastable (a leader of fashion) — Mr. Euan Morton
Landlady — Ms. Charlotte Moore
Police Constable — Mr. Matthew Arkin
Doctor — A Mysterious Person

Evening hosted by Mr. Howard Kissel

Produced and directed by Mr. David Staller