|
WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION!
a new musical by Darcie Dennigan
with music by Niki Healy PERFORMANCE ADDED TO MEET DEMAND -
MUST CLOSE JUNE 11! |
"A vibrant, intriguing, thought-provoking tour de force!"
- Broadway World "Inspired, boldly artistic and intentionally eclectic
- METR MAG Boston "A haunting musical allegory"
- Warwick Beacon "It's a great performance"
- The Public's Radio |
*WORLD PREMIERE*
GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART,
GOODNIGHT
BY DARCIE DENNIGAN
WITH MUSIC BY NIKI HEALY
MAY 25 - JUNE 11, 2023
Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight reunites award-winning playwright and poet Darcie Dennigan with director Josh Short for their fourth collaboration - this time on a brand-new musical about the life and work of Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi. Hailed by art historians the world over as one of the greatest artists of the Italian Baroque period, Artemisia is widely known not only for her work, but for the development of her work in response to being raped by a family friend at the age of 17 and the subsequent trial. Featuring new music by composer Niki Healy, inspired by girl groups from the 1960’s and punk music of today, this new musical explores the experience of women and the bloodthirsty desire for vengeance in the face of oppression.
Content Warning:
This production includes the use of strobe effects,
and contains references to rape, sexual assault, and torture.
SPECIAL EVENT!
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
ABOUT GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART, GOODNIGHT
Join us Sunday, June 4th at 3:30 to learn more from members of the team behind Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight as they share insights into the creation of this unique theatrical journey. Joined by Lori Ann Peretta, PsyD, members of the creative team will discuss the themes of empowerment, redemption and revenge as depicted in the musical.
Dr. Lori Ann Perretta, PsyD is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Providence, and is also Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Human Behavior for Brown University’s Alpert Medical School. While today she is immersed in the field of clinical psychology, her academic and professional path began with a BA in Italian language at the University of RI followed by a Master’s Degree in Italian Literature at Boston College. In her Italian studies, Dr. Perretta was particularly interested in early feminism literature from the 16th & 17th centuries, in which female authors, such as the courtesan, Veronica Franco, and the nun, Arcangela Tarabotti, used the pen/their writings, as weapons to combat the misogyny of the times. When first introduced to the paintings of Artemisia Gentileschi, Dr. Perretta was similarly captivated by how the artist used her paintbrush to fight against misogyny, on a canvas where darkness and light come alive, and with women as protagonists who reclaim their agency in the face of the traumas of oppression and violence.
Content Warning:
This production includes the use of strobe effects,
and contains references to rape, sexual assault, and torture.
SPECIAL EVENT!
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
ABOUT GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART, GOODNIGHT
Join us Sunday, June 4th at 3:30 to learn more from members of the team behind Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight as they share insights into the creation of this unique theatrical journey. Joined by Lori Ann Peretta, PsyD, members of the creative team will discuss the themes of empowerment, redemption and revenge as depicted in the musical.
Dr. Lori Ann Perretta, PsyD is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Providence, and is also Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Human Behavior for Brown University’s Alpert Medical School. While today she is immersed in the field of clinical psychology, her academic and professional path began with a BA in Italian language at the University of RI followed by a Master’s Degree in Italian Literature at Boston College. In her Italian studies, Dr. Perretta was particularly interested in early feminism literature from the 16th & 17th centuries, in which female authors, such as the courtesan, Veronica Franco, and the nun, Arcangela Tarabotti, used the pen/their writings, as weapons to combat the misogyny of the times. When first introduced to the paintings of Artemisia Gentileschi, Dr. Perretta was similarly captivated by how the artist used her paintbrush to fight against misogyny, on a canvas where darkness and light come alive, and with women as protagonists who reclaim their agency in the face of the traumas of oppression and violence.
"Lush and obsessive, twisted and lyric...Dennigan’s prose is rich and gritty and evokes the visceral instinct to survive even under nightmarish circumstances."
- LA Review of Books
- LA Review of Books
NEWS + MEDIA
"Darcie Dennigan's one-hour musical exploration of the life of Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1653) is a vibrant, intriguing, thought-provoking tour de force. The world-premiere production at the Wilbury Theatre is a visual and sonic feast for the senses, guaranteed to delight (and shock) even the avant-est garde aficionados of theatre while remaining surprisingly grounded."
- Broadway World
"The show is inspired, boldly artistic and intentionally eclectic...There are a lot of visceral elements to this production – many quite graphic, disturbing, perplexing and a few which will have some finding them enjoyable, celebrating in the production's wonderful “weirdness."
- METRMAG Boston
"Darcie Dennigan’s haunting Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight, with music by Niki Healy, is getting its world premiere at the Wilbury Theatre Group. The musical allegory about the life and work of Baroque painter, Artimisia Genfileschi, who was raped by a family friend at age 17, is told through a series of engaging songs and large displays of her works...It moves quickly and efficiently around the theatre space, keeping the scattered audience on their toes. Backed by four musicians and male actors who are recipients of their rage, the Four (Not Six-That’s another musical tale), are all excellent singer/actors who make this play work under the capable direction of Josh Short."
- Warwick Beacon
"Jennifer Mischley plays Artemisia as the leader of the group. She starts the play with a bright smile on her face – the “good girl.” Throughout the play, the women are subjected to all sorts of attacks and misogyny, and through it all, Jennifer Mischley keeps that smile on her face. But it’s strained by the end – it’s a grimace. It’s a great performance...I really enjoyed the show – and if you like the idea of going to a multi-media art history lecture punctuated with catchy songs, you might like it, too"
- The Public's Radio
“Several years ago, I saw the painting ‘Judith Beheading Holofernes’ by Artemisia Gentileschi. At that particular time in my life, given the political climate, I was really struck by it, and by the way Artemisia depicted Judith,” explains playwright Darcie Dennigan. “It was so different from others who had painted that event. She and her maidservant were united together, how strong they were. Because of everything that was going on, I was feeling very angry and impatient, thinking of ways justice could bend in one’s art through a fantasy of revenge.”
- What's Up Newp Interview
“As our playwright-in-residence and as a poet celebrated the world over for her imaginative writing Darcie Dennigan’s work has always been wild, wonderful and deeply moving,” said Artistic Director Josh Short. “Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight is no exception and I’m excited to deepen our collaboration with our first musical production together. Featuring the incredibly moving compositions by composer Niki Healy, the story of Artemisia Gentileschi not only celebrates one of the greatest painters of all times, but so uniquely speaks to the mistreatment of women over the centuries and celebrates the ability that art has to process those experiences and provide an important perspective for future generations.”
- VIEW PRESS RELEASE
- Broadway World
"The show is inspired, boldly artistic and intentionally eclectic...There are a lot of visceral elements to this production – many quite graphic, disturbing, perplexing and a few which will have some finding them enjoyable, celebrating in the production's wonderful “weirdness."
- METRMAG Boston
"Darcie Dennigan’s haunting Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight, with music by Niki Healy, is getting its world premiere at the Wilbury Theatre Group. The musical allegory about the life and work of Baroque painter, Artimisia Genfileschi, who was raped by a family friend at age 17, is told through a series of engaging songs and large displays of her works...It moves quickly and efficiently around the theatre space, keeping the scattered audience on their toes. Backed by four musicians and male actors who are recipients of their rage, the Four (Not Six-That’s another musical tale), are all excellent singer/actors who make this play work under the capable direction of Josh Short."
- Warwick Beacon
"Jennifer Mischley plays Artemisia as the leader of the group. She starts the play with a bright smile on her face – the “good girl.” Throughout the play, the women are subjected to all sorts of attacks and misogyny, and through it all, Jennifer Mischley keeps that smile on her face. But it’s strained by the end – it’s a grimace. It’s a great performance...I really enjoyed the show – and if you like the idea of going to a multi-media art history lecture punctuated with catchy songs, you might like it, too"
- The Public's Radio
“Several years ago, I saw the painting ‘Judith Beheading Holofernes’ by Artemisia Gentileschi. At that particular time in my life, given the political climate, I was really struck by it, and by the way Artemisia depicted Judith,” explains playwright Darcie Dennigan. “It was so different from others who had painted that event. She and her maidservant were united together, how strong they were. Because of everything that was going on, I was feeling very angry and impatient, thinking of ways justice could bend in one’s art through a fantasy of revenge.”
- What's Up Newp Interview
“As our playwright-in-residence and as a poet celebrated the world over for her imaginative writing Darcie Dennigan’s work has always been wild, wonderful and deeply moving,” said Artistic Director Josh Short. “Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight is no exception and I’m excited to deepen our collaboration with our first musical production together. Featuring the incredibly moving compositions by composer Niki Healy, the story of Artemisia Gentileschi not only celebrates one of the greatest painters of all times, but so uniquely speaks to the mistreatment of women over the centuries and celebrates the ability that art has to process those experiences and provide an important perspective for future generations.”
- VIEW PRESS RELEASE
CAST + CREATIVE TEAM
Jennifer Mischley*
as Artemisia 
Daraja Hinds
as Palmira |
Beth Alianiello
as Anniella 
Christine Treglia
as Mary Garrard |
Sophie Appel
as Arcangela 
Lydia Grosswendt
Understudy / Swing |
GOODNIGHT
SWEETHEART, GOODNIGHT By Darcie Dennigan Music by Niki Healy Directed by Josh Short Music Direction by Milly Massey Choreography by Ali Kenner Brodsky Costume Designer, Matt Oxley Sound + Video Designer, Andy Russ Light Designer, Alexander Sprague Set Designer, Monica Shinn Asst. Director, Jeff Ginsberg Men's Chorus: Brien Lang and Jason Quinn Keyboards, Kavi Gaspar Bass, Sophie Grosswendt Drums, Teddy Lytle Guitar, Dave Rabinow Stage Manager, Liam Horne* Assistant Stage Manager, Kerin Hagan Assistant Stage Manager, Meagan Frye Assistant Stage Manager, Jay Forcello Production Photographer, Erin X. Smithers Press / Media Inquiries: Niki Healy, Bright Publicity |
Chorus Volunteers, Marc Weaver, Sarah Elizabeth Taylor, Rachel Winslow, Sam O'Connell, Jesse Goldstein, Carol Drowne, Mary Paolino, Adam Pushkin, Gabriella Rose, Margaret Beaudry, Claudia Traub, Paul Hossfield, Claudia Summer, Emma Platt, Jonathan Twinning, Ruby Dempsey, Jonathan Sigmar, Grace Guillotte, Zoe Chaves, Viva McGuire, Marisa Kambour, Lisa Agustin, Suzu Ledoux, Hayley Wood, Sharon Waldman, Emily Rojas, Bonnie Dermanelian, Michal Walczak
*Appears courtesy Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
ABOUT
An award-winning*, not-for-profit professional theatre company, the Wilbury Theatre Group engages our community in thought-provoking conversation through new works, reimagined classics and adventurous playmaking. We are idealistic, ambitious, and stubborn in our resolve to create theatre that entertains, enlightens, and inspires.
*WINNER of the 2018 National Theatre Company Grant from the American Theatre Wing (The Tony Awards).
*WINNER of the 2018 National Theatre Company Grant from the American Theatre Wing (The Tony Awards).
