Coming September 12-27: Bull in a China Shop
a play by Bryn Turner • directed by Shanan Custer
This September, Fortune’s Fool Theatre will shine a light on the revolutionary, real-life romance of Mary Woolley and Jeanette Marks in Bryna Turner’s fast-paced comedy-drama, Bull in a China Shop.
Mary Woolley served as the president of Mount Holyoke College from 1900 to 1935. For 35 years, her passionate life partnership with professor (and former student) Jeanette Marks was an "open secret." Together, they led a radical transformation in education, evolving Mount Holyoke from a school for obedient wives into one of the country's foremost centers for women’s science and humanities.
"It hasn’t exactly gone unobserved, Madame President, that you climb three flights of stairs every night to kiss Professor Marks goodnight."
Based on the couple's actual letters, Bull in a China Shop explores the private lives behind a public revolution, pulling no punches as it examines the intense personal cost of changing society.
Free Tickets for All
Thanks to a generous grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, tickets for the entire run are free for everyone with no service fees, ensuring the production is accessible to all members of the community.
Cast and Creative Team
· Director Shanan Custer is a prominent Twin Cities director (Endometriosis! The Musical at Theatre in the Round), performer (Mysterious Old Radio Listeners Society), and playwright (Two Sugars, Room for Cream).
· Victoria Pyan (Mary Woolley) is a veteran Twin Cities performer recently seen in Henry V and Silent Sky (Theatre Pro Rata), and Ada Lovelace, Bride of Science (nimbus).
· Ariel Pinkerton (Jeanette Marks) has recently appeared in Lincoln’s Children and Yarrrh! (Fortune’s Fool), and Perfect Arrangement (Theatre in the Round).
· The cast also features Penelope Parsons-Lord, Kyra Richardson, and Bethani Talatala.
Performance Details
· Dates: September 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 at 7:30 pm; September 13, 20, and 27 at 2 pm
· Location: The Hive Collaborative, 677 Hamline Avenue N, St. Paul, MN
· Tickets & Info: Free admission, advance tickets available August 1st.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created by the voters of Minnesota.