The Black Box Theater Presents “The Heiress”
By special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, The Ohio State University at Newark’s Black Box Theater presents “The Heiress” by Ruth and Augustus Goetz from Thursday through Saturday on Nov. 10 to 12 and again on Nov. 17 to 19 at 7:30 p.m. Two Sunday matinee showings are at 2 p.m. on Nov. 13 and 20.
“The Heiress” is the story of shy, plain Catherine Sloper, who falls desperately in love with a dashing fortune hunter. Lacking worldliness, she does not realize that her charm alone does not draw the young man — played by Ohio State Newark student Tommy Beale — to propose. Catherine’s father, a successful doctor, sees through the plot and forbids the marriage. Will the young fortune hunter get what he desires, or will Catherine wake up to the ruse?
Tickets are available at the door; student tickets cost $5, and general admission tickets cost $10. All performances occur at the Black Box Theater in LeFevre Hall on Ohio State’s Newark campus, located at 1199 University Drive in Newark, Ohio.
Based on Henry James’ famous 1880 novel “Washington Square,” the play explores the complicated love and hate between a father and his daughter. Director Edie Norlin says, “Don’t let the date fool you. “The Heiress” is as timeless today as it was over 100 years ago.”
For the first time, Catherine — played by Ohio State Newark student Katherine Stuart — questions her father’s wisdom and love for her as she struggles to understand why he’d stand in the way of her happiness. Dr. Sloper — played by Tim Smith — begins to see a new side to his formerly meek only child. As Catherine truly begins to understand how her father feels about her for the first time, father and daughter battle against each other in a contest of wills that may forever change their relationship.
Norlin believes everyone can relate to the themes of Heiress, sharing that, “As familiar as I am with this play, it still breaks my heart to see the transformation of Catherine, as she gives up everything she thought beautiful and wonderful. The unrealistic expectations we feel from other people and how those expectations shape who we become is a theme I think everyone will find relatable. Survival is possible, but often at a great price.” This timeless romantic drama, brought to life by Ohio State Newark students and the community, will entertain you and leave you with relatable yet profound themes to consider.
For more information on “The Heiress” and the Black Box Theater, visit go.osu.edu/blackboxtheater.