Carpenter Square Theatre Begins the New Year with DANCING LESSONS

Ever Montgomery is a brilliant professor of geosciences whose expertise is global warming. But he is out of touch with other kinds of warmth. Ever can hardly tolerate even the most minimal physical contact and does not often make eye contact, either. He is on the autism spectrum with Asberger's Syndrome.

Senga Quinn is facing the possible end to a dancing career that means everything to her, thanks to a taxi that jumped a curb and shattered her right knee.

Both Ever and Senga have, in different ways, retreated from the world. They both live in the same apartment building in Manhattan, but have never spoken until Ever shows up at Senga's door and offers her $2,153 for one dance lesson - he's very precise on the amount, because Ever is very precise about everything. He is about to be feted at an awards ceremony where he'll be expected to dance, and Ever explains, "I'd like to be as inconspicuous as possible.''

The enjoyment of the play comes from the many laughs - and possible tears - as we wonder which of these two sensitive characters is the more impaired, and can they truly open up to each other.

DANCING LESSONS co-stars Daniel Willsey as Ever, the young man with Asberger's Syndrome, and Chelsea Davis as Senga, the Broadway dancer. Director Tom Cowley guides the production with Linda Cowley assisting as rehearsal stage manager. Ben Hall is in charge of the set design and execution, Rhonda Clark is the costume designer, and Jay C. Schardt is the lighting designer.

In conjunction with the play, the theater's lobby gallery will feature the work of Corrie Reagan. Her works are oil on canvas, and each of the self-portraits has a unique floral motif selected for its symbolic meaning. The artwork may be viewed starting one hour before each performance or by appointment Tuesday-Friday afternoons.

Specific performance dates and times over three weeks are: 8 p.m. January 11-12, 7:30 p.m. January 17, 8 p.m. January 18-19, 2 p.m. Sunday, January 20, and it continues at 7:30 p.m. January 24 and 8 p.m. January 25- 26. The play is rated PG-13.

DANCING LESSONS is supported in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and Allied Arts. Season Sponsors include Ed and Janet Bucknell and Mel and Cindy Ables. Cast Sponsors are Bruce and Jo Ewing. Opening Night Party Sponsors are Edward and Vivian Hasbrook.

Regular adult tickets are $25 with $20 tickets available for seniors aged 62 or more, military, and groups of ten or more. Educator tickets are $10 and students are only $5. Two-for-one tickets may be purchased when presenting the Allied Arts City Card or when attending Thursday evening performances. Reservations are highly recommended for the intimate 90-seat theater.