For Immediate Release

Contact:         Maryjane Briant
                        News and Media Relations Director
                        Galloway, N.J. 08205
                        Maryjane.Briant@stockton.edu
                        (609) 652-4593
                        stockton.edu/media

Galloway, N.J. - Stockton University’s Arts and Humanities Performing Arts Program will present “Intimate Apparel,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, in the Experimental Theater from Wednesday, Feb. 15 through Sunday, Feb. 19.

The time is 1905, the place New York City, where Esther, a black seamstress, sews intimate apparel for clients who range from wealthy white women to prostitutes. This moving story reveals a poignant search for love and dignity in the face of racial and gender biases of the time, said Theatre Arts Professor Pamela Hendrick, who is the director.

When asked why she chose this show, Hendrick answered, “‘Intimate Apparel’ has long been on my ‘must direct’ list. I find its exploration of intimate, complicated and conflicting relationships in the lives of the black, white Gentile and Jewish characters so compelling. And I love how the playwright sets the story in the early 20th century to give us a richer understanding of our current challenges with issues of race, class and gender. Mostly, though, I want people to see it because it’s a good, dramatic love story.”

Nottage, a screenwriter and playwright, won the Pulitzer for her play, “Ruined.” “Intimate Apparel” won the American Theatre Critics and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Play.

The production stars students from throughout southern New Jersey, with Allana Harrell, of Long Branch, in the lead as Esther. Other cast members include: Nia Pitts, of Winslow Township, as Mrs. Dickson; Erica Delbury, of Tuckerton, as Mrs. VanBuren; Anthony Cornatzer, of Cherry Hill, as Mr. Marks; Sparkle Prevard, of Atlantic City, as Mayme; and Anthony George, of Cape May, as George.

“Intimate Apparel” will be performed in the Experimental Theater which is located in M wing of the main academic building, down the steps by the Box Office. 

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for students and seniors with ID; ticket orders can be made online at www.stockton.edu/pac or by calling the Box Office at (609)-652-9000.

The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 90 minutes before the performance.                                                                                                                     
For patrons with special needs, Stockton offers wheelchair- accessible seating, large-type programs, and listening-assistive devices.  Please identify any needs you may have when making a reservation.                                                                                                       

The Stockton Performing Arts Center and the Experimental Theater are located on the campus of Stockton University, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, just off Jimmie Leeds Road in Galloway, N.J.  Just 12 miles west of Atlantic City, the center is easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway.