Dr. Ride’s American Beach House
By Liza Birkenmeier
Oct. 1 – 10, 2021
Preview Performances: Sep. 29 – 30
Jaeb Theater, Straz Center for the Performing Arts
What It’s About
It’s 1983 – the evening before Dr. Sally Ride’s historic space flight. A group of women friends gather on a sweltering St. Louis rooftop, each caught in their own failure-to-launch. This enticing juxtaposition thrusts the women into the space of their uncharted desires where they bump against American norms of sex and power in this intimate snapshot of queer anti-heroines.
- Friendship
- Women’s Experience
- LGBTQ+ Experience
From Playwright Liza Birkenmeier
Why should audiences come see this show?
“This play literally elevates what has historically been underground. The people in this piece lead uniformed lives with trapped desire and expression. They usually don’t have words for their wants or platforms for the most truthful or joyful performances of themselves. The rooftop (of this play) is a place where they can be their most expressive, unproductive, undefended selves. I hope it’s a little antidote to all kinds of repression.”
What do you hope audiences take away from seeing it?
“I hope that people look at reality with a brand-new unease. But if not, I’d be happy for people to walk away with a refreshed sense of their power of observation and their power in being observed.”
Pride Event - Oct 3
Media
Now Hiring: Technical Apprentices
We have immediate openings for one or more technical apprentices to learn from our staff while providing us meaningful support this season. Our technical apprenticeships
Giving Tuesday 2021
#GivingTuesday is an annual online day of giving and our biggest fundraising event of the year. Funds raised on #GivingTuesday will help ensure our stability through
Guest Blog: Nick Hoop on Dr. Ride
Nick sent me a DM over Twitter after we had a conversation about Dr. Ride’s American Beach House (must close Sun., Oct. 10!), asking if he
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Cast & Crew
- Roxanne Fay – Director
- Brian Smallheer – Technical Director
- Matthew Ray – Production Stage Manager
Cast
- Emily Belvo – Matilda
- Susan Haldeman – Meg
- Leah LoSchiavo – Harriet
- Andresia Moseley – Norma
Crew
- Jo Averill-Snell – Lighting Designer
- Tatiana Baccari – Dramaturg
- Teah Banks – Rehearsal Stage Manager
- Rebekah Eugenia Lazaridis – Scenic Designer
- Tea Roberts – Scenic Artist
- Katrina Stevenson – Costume Designer
