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Ensemble Stage’s “A Bench in the Sun” Premieres Saturday, July 27, at Blowing Rock School Auditorium

by Becky Petchenik

July 24, 2013 On Saturday, July 27, the Ensemble Stage will premiere an original comedy-drama by Ron Clark at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium in Blowing Rock.  “A Bench in the Sun” is scheduled to run through Aug. 4. with regular shows running at 7:30 with matinees on both Sundays at 2 p.m.  

Adult tickets are $19 dollars, and student, senior and military tickets are $17.  

The plot revolves around two best friends in a retirement community who are pitted against each other as they vie for the affections of a famous movie star who has just moved in.

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Stephen T. Ware, Bill Boyd and Diana Haas star in this raucous comedy directed by Mark Woodard. The funny and honest play pulls at the heartstrings and proves that just because you’re retired doesn’t mean that you’re not still alive.

Ware is an experienced Equity actor who has performed on both stage and screen for 30 years.  He has appeared in “Welcome to Mitford,” “The Dresser,” “Children of Eden” and had a recurring role on the HBO series “Banshee.”

Boyd’s first stage appearance was in Shakespeare Charlotte’s production of “The Taming of the Shrew.”  He has since been in “The Producers, “Cabaret” and “Mad Woman Chaillot.”  

Haas’s debut was in “Cookie in Rumors,” and she was in the Blowing Rock Stage Company’s production of “Journey to Mitford.”  

The Ensemble Stage Company was born out of a deep seated love for the performing arts.  The mission of the company is to bring quality theatre and performances to the High Country Community and to share their love of the theatre.  They regularly host summer camps, charity benefits and musical and theatrical performances to bring affordable and accessible culture and arts to the High Country.