A recording of a final preview performance of “I And You” produced by The Public Theatre of Lewiston will be available to the public for streaming from Monday, March 8, through Sunday, March 21. Submitted photo
LEWISTON — The Public Theatre cancelled its production of “I And You” on the day it was scheduled to open last March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Only preview audiences had the chance to see the show. However, a video recording of a preview performance is now being made available to the public for streaming between Monday, March 8, and Sunday, March 21.
“When opening night was cancelled, we were all desperately in need of closure on this wonderful experience,” said director Christopher Schario. “So, before the actors went home to New York, we invited a small audience to the theater and recorded the final performance. We’re very excited to announce, that after months of contract negotiations, we have finally gotten permission to share this video with our audience. Although watching theater on television may not be the same experience as seeing it live, rest assured that our artistic standards remain high and we are proud to share this recorded performance, knowing it is an accurate representation of the show.”
“I And You” was one of the most produced plays in America in 2017, as well as the winner of the 2014 Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award. An acclaimed London production featured Maisie Williams from “Game of Thrones” in the role of Caroline.
The play tells the story of an unlikely pair of teenagers who discover a shocking secret that will connect them forever. “The play contains a stunner of a spoiler,” says Schario, “and we hope that viewers will protect the secret of the show so that others can enjoy the thrill of discovering it for themselves.”
The Public Theatre production of “I And You” features professional actors Emma Wisniewski as Caroline and London Carlisle as Anthony. Set design is by Jennifer Madigan, lighting by Christopher Burkhardt, and sound design by John Morrison.
“The interesting thing about streaming the show,” said Schario, “is the fact that anyone in the world can watch it and see the high quality of work that’s happening onstage at The Public Theatre. It’s also a great way for our audience to introduce their friends and family who may not live in town to the (Public) Theatre.”
Schario noted that “When ‘I And You’ was cancelled last March, over 500 high school students throughout the state were scheduled to attend a student matinee. Now that we’re streaming the production, we hope the schools who weren’t able to attend, as well as any new schools, will finally have the chance to see it (at the $5 student matinee price).”
Tickets can be purchased online at thepublictheatre.org or by calling (207) 782-3200. A single ticket (one person watching) is $15, and a household ticket (2+ people watching together) is $25. A confirmation email will be sent and will contain your viewing link. Each ticket allows for one viewing during the time the video is available. Once you “Start Watching” the video you will have 24 hours to complete your viewing. The viewing link will expire at midnight on Sunday, March 21.
The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St., Lewiston. For more information and video sneak peek of the production, visit thepublictheatre.org.
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