Janey Jones can’t get out of bed. She’s lost her job, her boyfriend has dumped her, and she’s afraid of sliding into the same well of depression that swallowed her grandmother.
From the opening moments, it’s clear that The Disappearance of Janey Jones digs into some serious subjects. That’s a big part of the reason she chose the play, says Tennessee Women’s Theater Project founder and artistic director Maryanna Clarke.
“Jennifer Fawcett’s script approaches mental illness, something that touches most people one way or another, with compassion, humanity – and humor,” says Clarke. “She respects her characters, never making light of their struggles, while reminding us that laughter can lighten a dark moment and open the door to healing.”
The regional premiere production opens February 24 and runs through March 11 at Nashville’s Z. Alexander Looby Theater. Performances are Thursday through Saturday evenings, with Sunday matinees and two Tuesday morning shows designed fit the schedules of seniors and the Mother’s Day Out set.
The Disappearance of Janey Jones explores the complicated terrain of mental illness, particularly depression and bi-polar disorder, and probes the sometimes conflicting influences of genetics, anti-depressants and personal choices. It also offers a look at changing societal views of mental illness, and a frank examination of the toll it exacts on family and loved ones.
“Through it all,” says Clarke, “there’s an undercurrent of humanity and hope – the play is always engaging, surprisingly funny, and ultimately inspiring.”
Clarke’s cast of seven—all making their TWTP debuts—brings together Nashville stage veterans and newcomers. Leah Fincher (Janey) has appeared in a string of productions at MTSU and Murfreesboro’s Out Front On Main theater. Holly Butler (Marion) has appeared with Actors’ Bridge, Big Bawl Baby Productions and Donelson Theatre. Allison Cutler (June), a newer face to local audiences, performed in Iowa, Minnesota and Knoxville before arriving in Nashville. Abby Ekas (Young Janey) appeared in Miracle on 34th Street at Keeton Theatre, and in the title role of Annie at Towne Centre Theatre. Joyce Jeffries (Doctor/Fortune Teller) has appeared recently with ACT 1, Lakewood Theatre and Street Theatre. Eric Ventress (Denys) has performed in recent productions at ACT 1 and GroundWorks. Lane Wright (Harry) is well-known to Nashville audiences for his roles with Chaffin’s Barn, Boiler Room Theatre and GroundWorks.
Tennessee Women’s Theater Project’s professional productions are funded in part by grants from the Tennessee and Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commissions, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, along with many individual donors.
For a complete schedule of performance dates and times, reservations and information, call (615) 681-7220, or visit www.twtp.org.
