“Oh Earth, you’re too wonderful for anybody to realize you…” – Emily (III. 49)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL (April 26, 2018) – Theatre eXceptional, a local theatre company that performs work for, with, and about people with disabilities, continues their fourth season with Our Town by Thornton Wilder. Co-Directors Ryan and Ryan bring together the best talent from Theatre eXceptional’s professional and student ensembles join forces to bring to life the quaint town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire and the unforgettable people who live there.
Witness this classic American drama as you have never seen it before from the vision of Ryan Bernier and Ryan Prince. Bernier is a Bay Area professional actor, writer, and director who has been involved with Theatre eXceptional since it’s inaugural performance of The Boys Next Door in 2015 and Prince, who is a seasoned actor and visionary, joined in 2016 when he starred as The Wizard in Wizard of Oz.
Prince, who has Downs Syndrome, has had a hard time finding his way into the director’s chair but has long since dreamed of the opportunity to share his vision with a show like Our Town. “I have been inspired by my favorite film directors like Ron Howard and Sylvester Stallone,” said Prince, “Everyone knows about how directing is hard because you have to learn about success through failure.”
Bernier, Co-Director with Prince, has a long list of shows under his belt outside of Theatre eXceptional, but directing Our Town with Prince has provided a different experience. “Ryan Prince has all of the answers to any problems we face, whether it’s staging, concept, or just simple storytelling. He has an incredible vision that might otherwise be overlooked and I’m truly honored to be a part of bringing that vision to life.”
Our Town is a benefit performance to support Theatre eXceptional, a Blue Butterfly Production. Theatre eXceptional is an organization that uses the performing arts to raise awareness, break stigmas, and provides professional level education and performance opportunities for adults with disabilities. Through classes in the fall and spring, Theatre eXceptional has worked with over 100 students with varying disabilities who have proven that they are able to perform at the same level of some professional theaters in the area.
Our Town will run for four performances from May 25-27, 2018 at The Canterbury School of Florida Knowlton Campus. Tickets are available now at www.BlueButterflyProductions.org.
Theatre eXceptional presents:
Our Town
By: Thornton Wilder
Directed by: Ryan Bernier & Ryan Prince
When: May 25-27, 2018
Opening night: Friday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Other Performances:
Saturday, May 26 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 27 at 2:00 p.m.
House opens 30 minutes before curtain
The Canterbury School of Florida Knowlton Campus
990 62nd Ave NE St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Tickets:
$20, General Admission / $15, for students, military personnel, and TTB members
(must present proper ID)
For information on group rates contact
Brianna at brianna@bluebutterflyproductions.org
About Blue Butterfly Productions:
Blue Butterfly Productions builds inclusive communities using the power of the arts to connect people and change lives through high-quality educational experiences and performances.
Founded in Largo, FL in the summer of 2015, Blue Butterfly Productions has blossomed with the success of three organizations including Proch Stories, The 4×6 Festival, and Theatre eXceptional. The company’s vision is and will always be to expand boundaries and dispel myths through the performing arts. Learn more at www.bluebutterflyproductions.org