Fringe Theater Stages Lanford Wilson’s Talley’s Folly

Fringe Theater Key West continues its run of Lanford Wilson’s poignant romance, Talley’s Folly.  This timeless tale of second chances runs in the Back Room of the Key West Theater, at 512 Eaton Street, through January 18 at 7pm.

Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy gets girl back. It was the formula of love stories for many generations. “It is a classic love story, but Talley’s Folly gives both characters an equal voice in this story,” says Mathias Maloff, the show’s director. “There’s a real ebb and flow here.”

In just under 90 minutes, Matt must convince Sally to open herself to love. As the their stories  unfold, a push-pull between the characters develops. “It is a waltz,” one of Lanford’s characters tells us. A waltz that is fascinating to watch.  “Part of it is the words, but part of it is the chemistry between the actors,” Mathias adds.

Although an unlikely pair on the surface, Sally and Matt begin a verbal “Pas-de-Deux,” in which the mysteries of their personal lives are finally revealed.

Sally Tally is played by Lauren Thompson, who was born and raised in Key West. “I honed my acting skills in the backyard of my grandmother’s home,” she jokes, remembering performances on the stages of Mary Immaculate and the original Key West High School auditorium. She moved from the rock to pursue her dreams, and discovered her dreams were back here.  This is her first show with the Fringe Theater.

Matt Friedman is played by Ross Pipkin, who moved to the island 17 years ago.  “I met so many talented people on this island. It made me want to get back into acting. So I did!” Ross has built a substantial body of theatrical work since then and has been seen on most of the island’s stages. His first production with Fringe was last summer’s The Pride.

Talley’s Folly is stage managed by Sam Messier. Lights are designed by Kendall Cameron and Daashia Cochrin. Board Op is Su Nubia. Stage crew includes Don Lynch, Jim Beyl, Kelton Skipper, Charlie Bengel, and Jerry Ginsberg.

General Admission tickets for Talley’s Folly are $35 and are available online at www.fringetheater.org or by calling the Fringe Box Office at 305-731-0581. Seating is limited, so advanced ticket purchase is encouraged. Doors for the Back Room at Key West Theater open at 6:30, and the show begins at 7 PM. The Key West Theater offers and full bar with munchies.

Fringe Theater is Key West’s community-focused theater. It offers unique opportunities for people to see and do theater. Fringe is a 501c3 nonprofit with a vibrant and inclusive outreach and education program. For more information about Fringe, contact [email protected].

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