Based on the 1922 novel by Elizabeth von Arnim, Barber's stage adaptation earned a Tony nomination for Best Play in 2003. The performance schedule follows: Tucson (Sept. 13–Oct. 4) and Phoenix (Oct. 9–26).
Under the direction of Timothy Near, Enchanted April will feature Tony nominee Kathryn Meisle (Rose Arnott), Finnerty Steeves (Lotty Wilton), Matthew Floyd Miller (Mellersh Wilton), Al Espinosa (Frederick Arnott), Monette Magrath (Lady Caroline), Tony Roach (Antony Wilding), Patricia Kilgarriff (Mrs. Graves) and Lynne Soffer (Costanza).
Press notes for the Arizona Theatre Company production state: "'To those who appreciate wisteria and sunshine. Small castle on the Mediterranean, Northern Italy, to be let for the month of April.' That simple newspaper notice seduces a quartet of British women to rent a villa for one blissful spring in 1922, where their lives of ordered regularity blossom into glorious disarray. Seduced by cinnamon breezes, they learn to let their hair, and their guards, down and awaken to the simple joys of friendship, love and marriage."
Creative duties will be handled by Kent Dorsey (scenic design), Maggie Morgan (costume design), David Lee Cuthbert (lighting design), Brian Jerome Peterson (sound design) and Roberta Carlson (composer).
Tucson performances take place at the Temple of Music and Art (330 S. Scott Avenue); call the box office at (520) 622-2823. Phoenix performances take place at the Herberger Theater Center (222 E. Monroe Street); call the box office at (602) 256-6995. Visit www.arizonatheatre.org for more information.