Milwaukee Repertory Theatre artistic director Joseph Hanreddy will stage the non-profit's world premiere of Steven Dietz's Force of Nature, commissioned by the Rep for production April 7-May 9. Based on Goethe's 1809 novella, "Elective Affinities," the play about a marriage tested by outside forces will feature Lee Ernst, Laura Gordon, Andrew May, James Pickering, Rose Pickering, Kirsten Potter, Peter Silbert, Deborah Staples and Brian Vaughn.
In the play, married couple Charlotte (played by Laura Gordon) and Edward (Andrew May) each invite a friend to stay at their country estate, and, according to production notes, "true love and clear judgment are clouded by fresh attraction and passion."
Designers will be Kent Dorsey (sets and lighting), Laura Crow (costumes) and Michael Bodeen (sound).
The production will be the finale of the Rep's mainstage season, at the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, April 7-May 9. Dietz, author of Painting It Red, God's Country and Lonely Planet, is a Milwaukee favorite. His adaptation of the epic novel, Silence, was seen at the Rep in the 1995-96 season, and Private Eyes was staged there in 1997-98. His fantastical Rocket Man is currently on stage there at the Stiemke (pronounced "steam key") Theater, through Feb. 14.
For Milwaukee Repertory Theater information, call (414) 224-9490.
-- By Kenneth Jones
