Tony Nominee to Come to Weathervane
Linda Kline, co-author of A Class Act, will be at the Weathervane this weekend for a special talk back series.
WHITEFIELD, NH – August 15, 2022 – The Weathervane Theatre is thrilled to announce Tony nominee Linda Kline will be on the panel for this Saturday’s free talkback series of A Class Act. A Class Act, co-authored by Kline, opens at the Weathervane on Friday, August 19. The talkback will take place immediately following the 7:30 PM performance. Also on the panel will be members of the cast.
“A Class Act is going to be a very special production here at the Weathervane,” said Producing Artistic Director Ethan Paulini.
“It’s a smart show. It’s a funny show. It’s a touching show. It’s got incredible music. And perhaps most importantly the artists are inspired by the material which translates to a rich audience experience.”
The man behind the incredible music is Ed Kleban who is also the subject of A Class Act and is played in Weathervane’s production by Ethan Paulini. Kleban is best known as the Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning lyricist of A Chorus Line (also playing at the Weathervane this season). In A Class Act, Ed Kleban, one of Broadway’s unsung champions, returns to his own memorial service to set the record straight in this spirited and funny musical about musicals. Nominated for five Tonys, including Best Musical, the show utilizes songs throughout Kleban’s career to highlight the essence of his experience – an incredibly talented person who just wants to be heard.
At its core A Class Act is a true valentine to musical theatre. The most traditional musical theatre comedy piece in Weathervane’s season, A Class Act centers around people – people who connect over things they love. In this case that love is musical theatre. You get to know these interesting and vivid characters played by beloved Weathervane veterans. Some of them are real like Broadway legends and A Chorus Line creators Michael Bennett and Marvin Hamlisch. Others are an amalgamation of people that were in Ed’s life.
One person in Ed’s life who served as source material for some of the characters is Linda Kline who was Ed’s romantic partner at the time of his death.
“As a writer, I draw on what I know,” said Kline. “The character Mona wrote for Captain Kangaroo because I wrote for Captain Kangaroo.” She adds that elements of the characters of Lucy and Sophie were based on herself as well.
Kline created A Class Act with Emmy Award winner Lonny Price over 20 years ago. While many things have changed (including the art form itself), what Kline wants A Class Act audiences to walk away with has not:
“A heightened appreciation for craft. For dedication to whatever it is that you did in life.”
A Class Act opens at the Weathervane on Friday, August 19th and will run in rotating repertory through October 8th. Kline will be present at performances opening and closing weekend. The free Q and A session with Kline and the cast will be held following the 7:30 PM performance on August 20th at approximately 9:45 PM.
A Class Act is directed by Nathaniel P. Claridad and music directed by Andrew Morrissey. The cast features Reanne Acasio, Jorge Donoso, Robert H. Fowler, Marisa Kirby, Ira Kramer, Alex Lanning, Jewel Noel, and Ethan Paulini.
Suitable for audiences 14+, A Class Act does contain some adult language and themes. Tickets are available online (weathervanenh.org), by phone (603-837-9322) or in person at Weathervane’s Box Office (389 Lancaster Rd in Whitefield).
Performed to in person audiences only, audiences are currently at full capacity. The theatre has a new HVAC/Air Purification System that filters the air and provides heat and air conditioning. Masks are strongly encouraged, but not required unless Coös County is at a red or a high level risk for Covid-19.
The Box Office is generally open 10AM – 1PM on performance days and again two hours before curtain. On days of two performances the box office is open 10AM through 30 minutes past the evening curtain. For the most up to date hours please visit Weathervane’s website. Tickets can be purchased 24/7 on Weathervane’s website.
Weathervane’s 57th rep season runs July 1 – October 9. Summer performances run Monday – Saturday with 7:30 PM performances and 2 PM matinees on select Thursdays and Saturdays. Fall performances run Tuesday – Saturday with 7 PM performances and 2 PM performances on Saturdays and Sundays. Additional season 57 productions include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, Jesus Christ Superstar, Blood Brothers, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Intimate Apparel, and A Chorus Line. Single tickets now available at www.weathervanenh.org. Season 57 tickets start at $19.
This message and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it may contain confidential information and is intended only for the individual named herein. If you are not the intended recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute, review, or otherwise make use of this information. Please notify the sender immediately by telephone or return e-mail if you have received this email in error, and delete the original transmission and its attachments and destroy any copies thereof. Thank you.
