An evening with Emily

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — “The Belle of Amherst” will come to Sullivan County Community College (SCCC) for six performances this fall. Jointly produced by the college and Big Sky Productions, the play is based on the writings of Emily Dickinson, and won a Tony Award for its author, William Luce. Performances will be held on Saturday, October 20, 27 and November 3 at 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, October 21, 28 and November 4 at 5:00 p.m. at the Seelig Theatre of Sullivan County Community College. The theatre is handicapped accessible.

Through poetry, letters, flashbacks and narrative, the play introduces the audience to America’s greatest female poet as she invites them into her secluded world. The various stages of her life, starting at age 15, are recreated with liberal excerpts from her poetry.

The New York Daily News said “The Belle of Amherst” is “Magnificent… full of passion and poetry and heart… an arresting, riveting experience.”

“One of the most singularly beautiful evenings I’ve ever spent in the theater… A beautiful play,” said The Boston Globe.

Jonathan Frank of TalkingBroadway.com said, “The Belle of Amherst is a moving portrait of a self-professed eccentric spinster, who just happened to be one of this country’s most incredible poets. It resembles an evening spent having tea with your favorite eccentric great-aunt; the one who never had children but was always great with them, being childlike herself.”

Critically acclaimed Liberty actress Lorelei Reynolds plays Emily Dickinson. Reynolds has appeared in many local and regional productions including “Driving Miss Daisy,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “On Golden Pond” and, most recently, Neil Simon’s “Rumors.”

Carol Montana, Big Sky Productions’ artistic director, directs “The Belle of Amherst.”

Admission costs $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors and SCCC faculty and staff and $5 for students with an ID from any school. Group rates are available.

For more information call 845/985-7783.

“The Belle of Amherst” is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.