Adapted from Daphne du Maurier's short story, which was the basis for the classic Alfred Hitchcock film, the production will officially open Feb. 29 for a run through April 8.
Directed by Henry Wishcamper, the cast will feature J.C. Cutler and Angela Timberman as Nat and Diane, respectively, two strangers who form a bond to survive their harrowing experience. They will be joined by Summer Hagen as Julia, a mysterious young woman who brings discord to the desperate situation, and Stephen Yoakam as the cryptic, watchful neighbor Tierney.
"The Birds is a gripping, unsettling and moving look at human relationships in the absence of our greater society and moral/legal code,” said director Wishcamper in a statement. “The birds themselves create an ominous feeling of claustrophobia, but the real thrills in the play come out of the conflicts and interactions of the people onstage. I am very excited to work with this amazing group of actors in the intimate confines of the Dowling Studio.”
"In an isolated, abandoned house," according to the Guthrie, "strangers Nat and Diane take refuge from the unnerving masses of birds that attack everyone around them. They find relative sanctuary but not comfort or peace: there’s no electricity, little food and the birds always return. And they worry about a nearby neighbor, who may or may not still be alive and watching them. Soon another refugee, the young, attractive Julia, arrives with some news of the outside world but her presence also brings discord. The uncertain survival of the three becomes even more doubtful when paranoia creeps into their little refuge, adding an internal threat to match the external threat of the birds."
The artistic team includes Wilson Chin (set designer), Jenny Mannis (costume designer), Matthew Richards (lighting designer), Scott W. Edwards (sound designer), Michael Lupu (dramaturgy), Peter Moore (fight coordinator), Jason Clusman (stage manager), Meaghan Rosenberger (assistant stage manager) and Amanda Friou ( assistant director). For ticket information visit www.guthrietheater.org.
