UPDATE: Due to a power loss at Country Gate Playhouse, the production has been postponed until Nov. 17 at 8 p.m.
By RAY KELLY
New Jersey’s Country Gate Players will present “Orson’s Path,” a new play about the maverick road taken by theater and film director Orson Welles.
The new drama will be presented on November 3, at 8 p.m. at the Country Gate Playhouse, 114 Greenwich Street, Belvidere, New Jersey.
In receiving the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1975, Welles had characterized himself as a “maverick.” In “Orson’s Path,” playwright-director Bill Scurato, who stars as Welles, chronicles Welles the maverick through biographical narrative and recollection of his most significant work.
“Orson Welles’ approach to life, as well as work, was freewheeling, independent and, almost always, unorthodox. This path immortalized his legacy as one of the great innovators of the 20th century. But, that same path also presented significant challenges, and may have ultimately diminished the quantity and quality of his work,” Scurato said.
The ensemble drama, recalls various people and events which shaped Welles. Among these events are the collaboration between Welles and producer John Houseman; The Federal Theatre Project’s production of “Macbeth,” The Mercury Theatre’s staging of “Julius Caesar;” radio’s infamous “The War of The Worlds” broadcast and his movies, particularly the landmark motion picture “Citizen Kane.”
According to Scurato, “The play aims to celebrate the creative brilliance and, at the same time, consider the inherent pitfalls of Welles’ contrarieties.”
Scurato is joined onstage by veteran actors JoAnn Mazza, Rosemary Kumma and Wayne Dotter, who co-stars as John Houseman.
All seats are reserved at $10. Tickets are available by calling (908) 475-1104.
Further information is available at countrygate.org and Facebook.com/OrsonsPath
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