Rehearsals Begin For 'Marjorie Prime' At Taper

(L - R): Jeff Ward, Lois Smith, Lisa Emery and Frank Wood on the first day of rehearsal for “Marjorie Prime” by Jordan Harrison. Directed by Les Waters, “Marjorie Prime” will have its world premiere at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum September 10 through October 19, 2014. For tickets and information, please visit CenterTheatreGroup.org or call (213) 628-2772.
Contact: CTGMedia@CenterTheatreGroup.org/(213) 972-7376
Photo by Craig Schwartz

World Premiere September 10 – October 19, 2014

            Rehearsals have begun for the world premiere of Jordan Harrison’s haunting drama “Marjorie Prime,” which begins previews September 10, 2014, at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum.  Directed by Obie Award-winner Les Waters, the profound and engaging new play opens September 21.  Performances continue through October 19, 2014.

            The cast of “Marjorie Prime” features Lois Smith (in the title role), Lisa Emery, Jeff Ward and Frank Wood.

            Set design for “Marjorie Prime” is by Mimi Lien, costume design by Ilona Somogyi, lighting design by Lap Chi Chu, sound design by Adam Phalen and casting is by Mark B. Simon, CSA.  The production stage manager is David S. Franklin.

            “Marjorie Prime” asks exquisite questions about the difference between a life lived and a life remembered.  Marjorie (Lois Smith) is a clever, wry woman who, at age 85, finds that her memory is failing. She is living out her days at an assisted living facility where she is frequently visited by her anxious, quick-witted daughter, Tess (Lisa Emery), and her kind, easygoing son-in-law, Jon (Frank Wood). With the urging of Jon and the facility and despite Tess’ misgivings, a mysterious young man, Walter (Jeff Ward), joins the group with the hope that he can help reverse Marjorie’s decline.  Through an ingenious series of shifting realities, Walter’s nature is revealed, and the family’s memories gently unfold into a cathartic meditation on life and loss, and the desire to keep our dearly departed with us.