Sunstone Studios presents Terrence McNally's The Lisbon Traviata

MILWAUKEE - Sept. 2, 2022 - PRLog -- Sunstone Studios announces the first production of its second season: The Lisbon Traviata by Terrence McNally, running September 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 22nd, 23rd, & 24th, 2022 @ 7:00pm and September 18th, 2022 @ 2:00pm
at 127 E Wells St in Milwaukee.

A  funny – yet tragic – story, The Lisbon Traviata centers on a revealing conversation between Stephen, a depressed literary editor and opera fanatic, and Mendy, a flamboyant opera queen. The two dish late into the night, distracting Stephen from his failing relationship. But when Stephen returns home to confront his boyfriend the next morning, a tragedy unfolds on the scale of the grand opera he loves so much.

The play is the work of four-time Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally, "whose outpouring of work for the theater dramatized and domesticated gay life across five decades" (New York Times). The Lisbon Traviata was hailed as "one of McNally's more daring plays and one of his best" by the Washington Post, showcasing his "flair for crackling dialogue" (Variety). Mr. McNally passed away in March 2020, victim of coronavirus.

"I was introduced to the play over eleven years ago and held a table read at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center," recalls director Alan Piotrowicz. "Over the years, I've returned to the script, finding new depths and truths in its pages. I'm thrilled to finally have the chance to bring it to life." Piotrowicz lives in Milwaukee, has designed for many companies, and has directed for Cooperative Performance, Village Playhouse, The World's Stage Theatre Company, Falls Patio Players, Pink Banana Theatre Co., Soulstice Theatre, and the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center. He is an artist-in-residence with Sunstone Studios and Brief Cameo Productions in Ivoryton, CT.

The performance features the talents of Bryan Quinn, Cory J. O'Donnell, Joshua Biatch and Deshawn A. Thomas in the intimate Sunstone Studios storefront space. An all-female production staff includes scenic design by Maggie Marks, costume design by Nikki Heiniger, lighting & sound design by Delaney Regan, fight direction by Kara Penrose, and intimacy direction by Victoria Hudziak.

The Lisbon Traviata was originally Produced by Theatre Off Park, Sherwin M. Goldman and Westport Productions at Theatre Off Park in New York City, in 1985. The play is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection.

Sunstone Studios, a small, independent theater space located in downtown Milwaukee, bursting with personality and quirk, offering the experience of live theatre in an equitable and ethical way. Our space is also rentable. Tickets are $33 and available online at www.sunstonestudiosmke.com. Season "flex passes" (four admissions) are also available for $99. Seating is limited; we recommend purchasing tickets early.