The Barley Sheaf Players are proud to announce their 2017 benefit show: MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD. The Barley Sheaf benefit show is an annual tradition, in which the Players produce a play in order to benefit a local charity or non-profit group. This year, Barley Sheaf has chosen to perform Motherhood Out Loud, a collection of monologues and short scenes depicting the humor, raw emotions, and rocky roads that we all experience as we journey through parenthood.
Each monologue and scene in Motherhood Out Loud was written by a different contemporary playwright. The list of contributing authors is impressive, and includes Leslie Ayvazian, David Cale, Jessica Goldberg, Beth Henley, Lameece Issaq, Claire LaZebnik, Lisa Loomer, Michele Lowe, Marco Pennette, Theresa Rebeck, Luanne Rice, Annie Weisman, Cheryl L. West and Brooke Berman.
Each scene stands on its own and contains distinct characters, but the show is structured such that it begins with scenes depicting new mothers and continues chronologically, journeying through first days of school, giving “the talk”, children growing up, and returning home for the holidays. The play also portrays many nontraditional families, and issues dealing with gay parenting, autism, and international adoption are just some of the diverse families represented in this heartwarming and hysterical show. As we watch these women and men on stage, it is easy to relate to their experiences and struggles. MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD celebrates the joys and challenges of parenthood, and it is at once joyous, poignant, revealing, and hilarious.
Director Cindy Schneider is very excited to bring this show to the Barley Sheaf stage. Ms. Scheider said, “When I read this play, I got very excited to direct it. There is no user manual for parenthood, and the authors give us a peek into the lives of parents from different backgrounds, and at different stages in parenting, as they try to figure it out as they go along.” Ms. Schneider has collaborated with Assistant Director Kelley Stanford to bring these characters to life. Ms. Stanford had this to say about MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD: “When I first read Motherhood Out Loud it made me laugh and cry. There are so many ways to look at parenting and motherhood and this wonderful collection of monologues and scenes really bring them to life.”
All proceeds from the Barley Sheaf Players’ production of MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD will go to the Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County. MCHC’s mission is to improve maternal and child health through the collaborative efforts of individuals, providers, and policy makers. Their core programs assist families who are struggling to provide basic essentials needed for their child’s health and development.
MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD opens January 20th at the Barley Sheaf Players, located at 810 North Whitford Road in Lionville. The show runs for two weekends, through January 28th, on Friday and Saturday evenings, with an 8:00pm curtain time. Seating for the benefit show is general admission and payment is by donation at the door. Patrons may make whatever size donation they would like in exchange for admission (the suggested donation is $10). More information about the show can be found online at www.barleysheaf.org or by calling the box office at 610-363-7075.
Theater/Organization The Barley Sheaf Players
Theater/Organization Website: http://www.barleysheaf.org/
Theater/Organization Address: 810 N. Whitford Road 810 N. Whitford Road Lionville, Pennsylvania 19353 (Map It)
Theater/Organization Phone: (610) 363-7075
