THEATRE

A nationally acclaimed storyteller living in Marblehead, Black scorches a path from local history and hysteria to contemporary hilarity and hysterics as she explores the power of female hungers and relationships - both here and in the hereafter.

Starting with walks alongside accused witch Mammy Redd on Old Burial Hill, Bittersweet Midnight begins by transporting audiences back to a time when the Calvinists caused havoc on the land while the ocean’s healing power offered an alternative type of faith to Marbleheaders. Featured in this piece is the music of Betsy Rose and musicianship of Vince O’Donnell of Newton, and Bill Smith of Salem, whose considerable skills bring a startling depth of texture to this tale. Black's unique program then leaps to the lighter side of contemporary female appetites. Themes include sublimated sexual passions, compulsive relationships with food, and the endless attempts to get mom's approval (even postmortem); round up all the usual suspects that live in a woman's psyche!

Bittersweet Midnight is directed by John Fogle and runs September 30 through October 16 at the STC Theater at 90 Lafayette Street in Salem. Performance times are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 3:00pm. Adults tickets are $22, senior tickets (60+) are $18, and student tickets are $12; tickets may be purchased online now at www.salemtheatre.com/tickets. Tickets may also be reserved for pick-up at the box office on the day of show, by calling 978-792-8546 or e-mailing info@salemtheatre.com.