Emily Dickinson at the Roedde House Museum

The Belle of Amherst 
by William Luce
February 19 - March 1, 2015
Roedde House Museum
Tickets $25 - Limited Seating!

   If you missed catching a glimpse of the elusive 19th century legend in 2011 when she last visited the area, you'll want to see “Emily Dickinson” in The Belle of Amherst this February at the Roedde House in Vancouver. Written by William Luce, based on the writings of the superb, sparkling, and enigmatic poet Emily Dickinson, this multi-award-winning one-woman play was originally performed on Broadway in 1976 as a vehicle for 5-time Tony Award-winner Julie Harris. It received universal acclaim, and was hailed by theatre critic Rex Reed to be “an arresting, riveting experience unlike any I’ve known. An overwhelming, meticulous adventure full of passion and poetry and heart.” Joely Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave’s daughter, resurrected the role Off Broadway last fall; this production features Vancouver actress Renée Bucciarelli, whose portrayal of Emily Dickinson has previously garnered local acclaim, and whose work as a classical actress has enjoyed past praise from The New York Times.
   The Roedde House Museum, a special piece of local history that was home to Vancouver’s first bookbinder, provides an ideal period setting for Dickinson’s seemingly fathomless exploration of words, of a vibrantly-lived inner life, and of love. Costumed in her famous white dress (a historically accurate replica in this production, researched and constructed by Bucciarelli), “Miss Dickinson” ventures out of her self-imposed seclusion to welcome audiences into the exquisitely-furnished Roedde parlour for a little tea, town gossip, and poetry—ultimately stealing hearts while inspiring belief in the redemptive act of creation. 
    Audience members of this intimate performance will find themselves transported back to an elegant time, in an ambience complete with Dickinson’s favourite music played on the parlour piano, tea served in china cups, and even Dickinson’s famous ‘black cake’. Sunday matinées will include post-performance talk-backs with Dickinson scholars Lynn Szabo (Feb. 22)  and Judith Scholes (March 1).
    “Solo performer Renée Bucciarelli shines…deftly captures Emily’s mischievous spirit…” — Georgia Straight

brownpapertickets.com or at the door – limited seating!
Website: www.fraj.com/belleofamherst