October 1, 2003

Theater season opens with a waltz

Cast members of Baltimore Waltz

The Baltimore Waltz by Paula Vogel kicks-off the fall theater season at California State University, Sacramento at 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Playwrights’ Theatre in Shasta Hall. The play runs Oct. 9 - 12 and again Oct. 16 - 19, starting at 8 p.m. weekdays and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

The Obie-award winning play, directed by CSUS graduate student Barbara Norris, uses fantasy to explore the relationship between a brother, Carl, and his sister, Anna. When Anna, an elementary school teacher, is diagnosed with the fatal faux illness “Acquired Toilet Disease,” she and Carl head to Europe. During their travels on the continent, Anna becomes obsessed with indulging herself in pleasures she had previously ignored while Carl searches for a cure for her malady. His quest leads him to a mysterious man and woman and, ultimately, to a bunny.

Norris has previously directed Vogel’s How I Learned to Drive for CSUS and is “drawn to the crackling wit and practical insight” of Vogel’s work. With The Baltimore Waltz, Norris, her cast and crew transform Playwrights’ Theatre, moving the audience from stark hospital interiors to the great cities of Europe.
Following the Oct. 12 performance, Norris and her cast will discuss the play. Refreshments will be available.

Tickets are $15 general, $8 for students and seniors, and available from the CSUS Ticket Office at (916) 278-4323 or at www.tickets.com. Media assistance is available from public affairs at (916) 278-6156.

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