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

Creative Loafing Best of the Bay Nominated

  • Best Production
Wed., Sep. 29, 2021
Thu., Sep. 30, 2021
Fri., Oct. 1, 2021

  • Dr. Ride's American Beach House - Opening Night
    8:00 PM | Season Tickets

Sat., Oct. 2, 2021
Sun., Oct. 3, 2021

Hands down, the very best way you can save money on Jobsite shows is with one of our season ticket packages.

Jobsite offers special ticket discounts for group ticket sales and for special members of the community (military, seniors, etc.)

Jobsite Theater does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects (such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact us by email or phone at 813.476.7378.

Single ticket prices listed ($29.50) are base-line prices. Prices for individual performances will increase based on demand​.

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.”

Read reviews from the original Ars Nova production!

(L-R) Leah LoSchiavo and Emily Belvo in Jobsite’s Dr. Ride's American Beach House. (Photo: Pritchard Photography)
(L-R) Leah LoSchiavo and Emily Belvo in Jobsite’s Dr. Ride's American Beach House. (Photo: Pritchard Photography)
Critics Pick, “A revelation” – The New York Times
Birkenmeier’s play probes what it means to live authentically. – Curtain Up
Witty and playful – New York Theater
Luscious. Funny. Erotic. – New York Magazine
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Emily Belvo in Jobsite’s Dr. Ride's American Beach House. (Photo: Pritchard Photography)
Leah LoSchiavo in Jobsite’s Dr. Ride's American Beach House. (Photo: Pritchard Photography)
Susan Haldeman in Jobsite’s Dr. Ride's American Beach House. (Photo: Pritchard Photography)
Andresia Moseley in Jobsite’s Dr. Ride's American Beach House. (Photo: Pritchard Photography)
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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

What Do You Think?