WESTON PLAYHOUSE HOSTS ARTISTS RETREAT
Award-winning Musical Theatre Artists in residence in Vermont

(Weston, VT) -- The Weston Playhouse Theatre, Vermont’s oldest professional theatre, hosted its first annual Winter Artists Retreat the week of January 20 - 27, bringing a diverse and noteworthy group of musical theatre artists to Weston, Vermont to work on their latest projects.

The 2008 retreat participants included Obie-winning author/composer Polly Pen (Goblin Market, Bed and Sofa); Aaron Jafferis and Ian Williams, writer and composer of the hip-hop/rock musical, Kingdom (“Most Promising New Musical,” 2006 New York Musical Theatre Festival); and creator/performers Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell, director/choreographer Michael Berresse and arranger/music director Larry Pressgrove of the triple Obie-winning musical, (title of show).

The Winter Artists Retreat is the latest offering in the Weston Theatre’s 5-year program to support the development of new work. The retreat participants were invited to spend a week in Vermont with transportation, housing, meals and work space provided by the company. On the last full day of their residency, the artists shared thoughts and material with Weston board members and sponsors in an informal salon reception.

“Vermont has a rich history as an artists’ retreat,” commented Weston Producing Director Steve Stettler. “From Robert Frost to David Mamet, from Martha Graham to Jamaica Kinkaid, from Rudolf Serkin to Jaime Laredo, artists have come to the Green Mountains to do some of their finest work. We are proud to carry on that tradition by providing a home for today’s most promising theatre artists.”

The Weston Playhouse Theatre’s 2008 season will include the New England Premiere of the Tony-winning musical The Light in the Piazza, in a new production for 8 actors and 5 musicians being developed in collaboration with composer Adam Guettel. For more information about the company, its season and its New Works programs, visit www.westonplayhouse.org.

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