Fringe’s  “The Apples Falls” Continues

The Fringe presents the World Premier of The Apple Falls by Monnie O. King, a new play that brings to light what is often hidden behind closed doors – a compelling and sensitive look at the impact of mental illness on a family striving to help their schizophrenic daughter Pauline, who is saving the world from a devastating poison – expect that it exists only in her hallucinations.

Dennis Zacek, Artistic Director Emeritus of the famed Chicago Victory Gardens Theater, recipient of a regional Tony Award for excellence directs a stellar cast including Pauline (played by Tammy Shanley), a musical prodigy diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic, who lives her life as a homeless person on the street; her parents (Richard Grusin and Rebecca Gleason) pursue every avenue to help her, and enlist the aid of her sister, Emma (Melody Moore), Policeman Carl (L. John Van Norden), Dr Hartman (Neal Ruchman) and his nurse (Deborah Ann Snelgrove) in their cause. Emma’s daughter Chrissy is played by Amber Hernandez and Joe Mitchell plays Pizzaman. As the family pursues every avenue to help her – legal, medical, emotional – they must face the reality that her illness threatens to destroy each of them.

Says King,” The Fringe’s motto is ‘Expect the Un-Expected’ and our mission is to enrich the community. This production serves both those goals. We expect this play will be emotional for some; insightful for others; and shocking for still others.”

Actor Tammy Shanley, who portrays Pauline, the schizophrenic daughter, reports “The reactions are overwhelming. Even before the show opened, when I talked about the story of Apple Falls some people – out of the blue – have literally started crying because of their own family experience.”

To raise awareness of the harsh reality, isolation and stigma of those dealing with mental illness, immediately following the March 24th and April 7th performances Stephen Kitsakos, writer, director and associate of the Fringe, will moderate a Q&A panel including Dr. Fred Covan, former Chief Psychologist at Bellevue Hospital in New York City and author of the book, Crazy All The Time, Dr. Alan Teitelbaum, Psychiatrist and past chair of the Southernmost Homeless Assistance League, Kim Romano, Executive Director of WomanKind, and Sherry Read, Artist and Mental Health Advocate.

The Apple Falls opened on Wednesday, March 23rd, and will run for a total of ten performances, March 24, 25, March 30, 31, April 1, and April 6, 7, 8, 9 in the Parish Hall of St Paul’s Church, 401 Duval Street. Curtain is at 8pm. Except on March 24 and April 7 when curtain will be at 7pm followed by the Talk Back session. Tickets are available at www.fringetheater.org or (305) 707-4053 or keystix.com or 305-296-7676.

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