Eleemosynary

Eleemosynary

By Lee Blessing

Directed by Kari Goetz and Jaime Giangrande-Holcom

Jan. 3 – 20, 2008

Thu. – Sat. 8pm, Sun. 4pm

Tickets: $24.50

Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center for the Performing Arts

On This Page

Distinctions

Jobsite Jobby

What It's About

Sensitive and probing, this masterful play examines the subtle and often perilous relationship between three generations of remarkable women: the grandmother, Dorothea, who has sought to assert her independence through strong-willed eccentricity; her brilliant daughter, Artie, who has fled the stifling domination of her mother; and Artie’s daughter, Echo, a child of exceptional intellect, whom Artie has abandoned to an upbringing by Dorothea.

Eleemosynary has been called “alternatively funny and poignant” by Variety, and “a funny, perceptive and eloquently written play” by the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Told through direct narration and flashbacks as well as linear storytelling, the tale unfolds via the reversal of cause and effect. Eleemosynary is a celebration of the beautiful, mysterious and painful bonds between mothers and daughters.

With the holidays over, it is expected that audiences will be fresh from their family experiences – for good or bad. As an event, Jobsite is certain that Eleemosynary will let you know you’re not alone! Director Kari Goetz (The March of the Kitefliers, Phyro-Giants!) remarks that “The wonderful thing about Eleemosynary is that it’s a story that any woman will readily relate to. The themes are universal to the female family dynamic. The beautiful thing about this show is the emotion of ‘laughter through tears’ – we really get to put the ‘fun’ in dysfunctional!”

Goetz says, “Watching these three women – a Generation Y, a Generation X and a Great Generation – working together and finding common ground through the rehearsal process has been extraordinarily rewarding. I can’t think of the last time I’ve laughed so hard in rehearsal. My 13-year-old actress is going on 60 and my 60-year-old actress is going on 13 – between the two of them they keep me on my toes!”

...a play and a production of a caliber rarely seen ... the language is elegant, witty and carefully wrought. – Philadelphia City Paper

...an engrossing 95-minute entry – alternately funny and poignant... – Variety

(L-R) Caroline Jett, Molly Jacobson and Leah LoSchiavo in Jobsite's Eleemosynary. (Photo: Shawn Jacobson.)

Critic Reviews

The play is complex and beautiful, full of humor and memorable lines and characters, and it's enhanced here by powerful, delicate performances. – St. Petersburg Times

Probably the best quality about Lee Blessing's play is that it isolates a dynamic that defines so many relationships... Being an audience member provides the objective distance of a good therapist, only cheaper. – Tampa Tribune

News

Cast & Crew

  • Jaime Giangrande-Holcom – Co-Director and Stage Manager
  • Kari Goetz – Co-director

Cast

  • Molly Jacobson – Echo
  • Caroline Jett – Dorothea
  • Leah LoSchiavo – Artemis

Crew

  • Lori Shannon – Assistant Stage Manager
  • Matt Lunsford – Scenic Designer
  • David M. Jenkins – Master Carpenter/Technical Director
  • Karla Hartley – Light Designer/Master Electrician

Patron Reviews

We had the chance to see Eleemosynary last night. Not only am I elated to be a part of this incredible company, but so impressed with all three women on stage. It is really a delightful piece. Everyone who worked on it should be very proud. – David Valdez

Great play and it looked almost sold out for Sat night. We thought all the gals did a super wonderful job – Echo was great. WOW. – Suzanne Noe

Enjoyed the play last night enormously – what a great play! And the acting was tremendous! – Arlene Englehardt, WMNF Women’s Show

Opening night was amazing! All three ladies are glorious. This show is must see… you might as well bring your mom with you the first time; otherwise you’ll be coming back with her by your side! Bring the whole family! – Anonymous

Great show the other night. I could certainly relate to a lot of it!! – Susan Martin, season ticket holder

Volunteer

Ask about volunteering for shows, fundraisers, or just Jobsite in general.

Contact Us About A Show

We love your feedback. Share your thoughts about a show you saw!

The Jobsite Newsletter

News

Special Invites

Secret Deals

All the Best Stuff

Organization Ticket Request

Request tickets to be donated to your organization.

Attachments are limited to 10MB. Accepted files types are .pdf.

Technical Director Contact

Questions for our Technical Director.

Staged Readings Contact

To perform in a reading, have your script considered, or have other Staged Readings questions.

Attachments are limited to 5MB per attachment. Accepted files types are .jpg, .gif, .pdf, .txt, .doc, .png.

Contact The Artistic Director

Get in touch with Artistic Director David M. Jenkins for all business and production related questions and touring information.

Contact The Development Chair

Donating to fundraisers, plus any other grant or sponsorship questions.

Auditions Contact

Audition questions, scheduling, resumes and headshots. Also, read about our auditions for more info.

Attachments are limited to 5MB per attachment. Accepted files types are .jpg, .gif, .pdf, .txt, .doc, .png.

Donations & Support Contact

Be a Jobsite sponsor, send us something from our wishlist, advertising questions, etc.

Tickets Contact

General questions and information regarding tickets, group rates, discounts, and individual ticket donations.

Attachments are limited to 5MB. Accepted files types are .pdf.

Contact The Webmaster

Email our Online Producer regarding website questions, broken links and general kudos for all around groovy site design.