River Company to present an original work in progress
One matinee at 2 p.m. on July 23
Event has passed
Actor Michael Hovance to portray Oscar Wilde in a new work in progress with River Company. Courtesy of Nick Azzaretti
River Company presents “The Oscar Wilde Project” starring Los Angeles actor and Lincoln Academy alumnus Michael Hovance, coming to Skidompha Public Library's Porter Hall on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 23 at 2 p.m. All shows are “Pay What You Can” admission. With this River Company special event, Michael Hovance premieres a new work in progress about the life and works of one of his favorite playwrights.
This workshop presentation returns Michael to his hometown to collaborate with former Lincoln Academy English teacher Nick Azzaretti who introduced him to the theater. After graduating from LA, Hovance studied theater and history at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York, and spent his junior year at the British American Drama Academy in London. It was during his time studying in London that Hovance's love of Wilde’s plays emerged. He saw performances of “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “An Ideal Husband.” Someone remarked, at the time, that he bore a passing resemblance to Wilde himself.
Since then, Hovance has appeared in over 35 plays and musicals in New York and Los Angeles. His roles have included Hamlet, Sweeney Todd, Charles Condomine in “Blithe Spirit,” Lord Goring in “An Ideal Husband,” and Jack in Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” both onstage and online with River Company.
Several years ago, when Michael auditioned for “An Ideal Husband,” the play’s producer told the director, “Oscar Wilde has just walked into the room.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, he was cast as Lord Goring, who in many ways embodied the wit and character of Oscar Wilde.
Becoming Wilde's characters onstage has led Michael deep into the playwright's own story. In 1882, as Wilde lectured his way across the United States, to promote the "art for art's sake" movement, he fully manifested the indelible persona and unique comedic perspective that pervades his greatest works.
Please join us as Michael Hovance leads us on an exploration of Oscar for Oscar's sake. Skidompha is at 184 Main St., Damariscotta. For more information, call 207-449-2943.
Event Date:
Fri, 07/21/2023 - 7:30pm
Sat, 07/22/2023 - 7:30pm
Address:
184 Main Street
Damariscotta, ME 04543
United States
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