The Oldest Profession by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel focuses on five aging practitioners of the “oldest profession” as Ronald Reagan enters the White House.  They are faced with diminishing clientele, increased competition for their niche market, and aging joints. With wit, compassion, and humor they struggle with trickle-down” economics to stay in the “Life”.

The ladies of The Oldest Profession are proud of their work ethic, care about their customers, and have formed a strong family bond over nearly half a century. All the recognizable types are present: the practical and wise madam, the woman-child, the sassy woman of color, and the elegant Southern belle. The fourth member of their stable, a hard-as-nails gal who sees the wisdom of changing with the times, tries to push the others to step up their game. “Old vessels leak,” she tells her stable mates. Mae, their leader, longs for the days when there was honor in the trade. “This is America – where any girl can start in an alley and become a madam.

Featuring, Michelle Barber*, Cathleen Fuller*, Greta Grosch*, Tinia Moulder*, Greta Oglesby* and Elizabeth M. Desotelle* *Members of Actors’ Equity Association

 

For Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday by Sarah Ruhl. After their father dies, five siblings find themselves around the kitchen table of their childhood, pouring whiskey and sharing memories. The eldest, Ann, reminisces about her days playing Peter Pan at the local children’s theater. Now, 50 years later, Neverland calls again, casting her and her siblings back to this faraway dreamscape where the refusal to grow up confronts the inevitability of growing old. Soon the five are transported back to Neverland. For Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday is a fantastical exploration of the enduring bonds of family.

 

Admission to PRIME Voices readings is free but reservations are required

Season 5

 
 

Admission to PRIME Voices readings is free but reservations are required

 

 The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington by Pulitzer Prize-winning Playwright James Ijames centers on the legacy of slavery in America. The recently widowed “Mother of America” lies helpless in her Mount Vernon bed, ravaged by illness, and cared for by the very slaves who will be free the moment she dies. 

The fever dream of terrifying theatricality that follows investigates everything from Martha Washington’s family to her historical legacy, taking us deep into the uncomfortable and horrific ramifications of this country’s original sin. The slaves appear to be waiting on her but really, they are waiting for her to die, because, by the terms of her husband’s will, they are then to be freed. So, they pass the time messing with her head, playing out a wild series of comic sketches, and thoroughly entertaining the rest of us.

Featuring,

Kathleen Winters, Monica E. Scott*, Peyton Dixon*, Maje Adams*, Charla Marie Bailey*, Vinecia Coleman*, Kevin Brown, Jr. and Valencia Proctor*

*Members of Actors' Equity Association

 
 
 
 

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.