First performance 23 April 2014 | Playwright Harvey Fierstein | |
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Characters Gloria, Terry, Bessie, Amy, Charlotte, Miranda, Rita, Valentina, Eleanor Similar Harvey Fierstein plays, Dramas | ||
Harvey fierstein history of transvestites in the catskills inspiring casa valentina
Casa Valentina is a play written by Harvey Fierstein which premiered on Broadway in April 2014 and opened in London in September 2015. It tells the story of men who spend weekends at a resort in the Catskill mountains, dressed as women.
Contents
- Harvey fierstein history of transvestites in the catskills inspiring casa valentina
- Theater talk harvey fierstein on casa valentina
- Background
- Productions
- Plot
- Critical reception
- References
Theater talk harvey fierstein on casa valentina
Background
The play was suggested by the book Casa Susanna, written by Michel Hurst and Robert Swope.
Productions
Casa Valentina premiered on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in a Manhattan Theatre Club production on April 1, 2014 in previews, officially on April 23, 2014. Directed by Joe Mantello, the cast featured Patrick Page (George/Valentina), Gabriel Ebert (Jonathon/Miranda), John Cullum (Terry), Reed Birney (Charlotte), Tom McGowan (Bessie), Larry Pine (The Judge/Amy) and Mare Winningham (Rita). Scenic design was by Scott Pask, costumes by Rita Ryack and lighting by Justin Townsend. The play had music by Fitz Patton, with Christopher Gattelli as dance consultant. The play closed on June 29, 2014 after 79 performances and 24 previews.
The play made its London debut at the Southwark Playhouse on September 10, 2015 in previews, running through October 10. Directed by Luke Sheppard, the cast featured Tamsin Carroll (Rita), Ben Deery (Miranda), Charlie Hayes (Eleanor), Bruce Montague (Terry), Robert Morgan (Amy), Matt Rixon (Bessie), Ashley Robinson (Gloria), Gareth Snook (Charlotte) and Edward Wolstenholme (Valentina).
Plot
Casa Valentina is a small hotel in the resort area of the Catskill Mountains in New York. In the early 1960s, Casa Valentina has, as guests, heterosexual men who dress and act as women. They are faced with a decision whether to become an official organization.
Critical reception
The reviewer for theatermania wrote that Casa Valentina is "far and away the best new play of the season."