SEPTEMBER 1982

Brooks Theatre Season Ópens

Richard Oberlin, Director of The Cleveland Playhouse has announced the annual 1982-83 Brooks Theatre season: The Middle Ages by A. R. Gurney, Jr.; Sea Marks by Gardner McKay; and The Potsdam Quartet by David Pinner. "These are wonderfully stage-worthy plays,' said Mr. Oberlin, "and are especially suited for the intimate atmosphere of this 160-seat theatre."

Opening the Brooks season on October 15 is The Middle Ages, a thought-provoking, yet comic look at the interactions of an eccentric, rebellious son, his conservative Mid-Western family, and his unobtainable love, Eleanor. A charming, yet pointed comedy about modern society. The Middle Ages deals with people caught midway between youth and maturity, old and new values, freedom and responsibility. Written by A.R. Gurney, Jr., The Middle Ages previews October 13 and 14 and plays through November 7. "Very funny," said Richard Eder of The New York Times, "Mr. Gurney is good at encounters."

Winner of the Los Angeles Drama Critics'

Award, Sea Marks is Gardner McKay's liltingly written romance about a lonely Irish fisherman-poet caught between his love for the sea and his affection for a Liverpool career woman and the exciting literary world she offers. It's a sensitive and honest portrait of two people who love each other but whose lifestyles. simply cannot be fused. "The best twocharacter play of the season," raved The New York Times' Walter Kerr. Previewing January 19 and 20, Sea Marks opens January 21 and continues through February 13.

The Potsdam Quartet, David Pinner's moving and subtle drama, occupies the Brooks stage on April 15. It is 1945, the scene of the Potsdam Conference, and Truman, Churchill, Stalin and Atlee are dividing up Europe. Outside the chamber of power, four brilliant men, musicians together for 30 years, dogfight over their differences as they decide whether to continue as one of the world's great string quartets. "The joy of the play-and it really is a find-lies in the complexities of the relationships," said Clive Barnes in the New York Post.

Well-known Cleveland Performer Aids Community

Over the past thirteen years Frankie Wurm has given freely of his time and talents to help promote the Cleveland area gay community. He helped in the G.E.A.R. Foundations' move to their present location on West 14th. Frankie enjoys working with the area organizations, but finds that the greater personal satisfaction lies in helping the underprivileged.

As a four time winner in the State Men's Division Baton Twirlling Competition, Frankie attracted a young handicapped girl as a prospective student. "She had seen me in competition and wanted me to teach her the baton. She had a paralyzed right arm since birth. We both knew this wouldn't be easy, but we were both willing to try," explained Frankie. "Baton twirling is basically a right-handed sport. I had to transfer my knowledge back to her in reverse. I imagine it was very frustrating for her. After intense training and exercise, she went on to become a feature twirller with West Tech High and was awarded a scholarship to Miami University. Continued Frankie, "I had helped her growth as a student and growth as an individual. It was a very rewarding experience."

His involvement with the community continued as a camp director for Rainbow Babies. and Children's Hospital. Frankie stated, "It was almost as much fun for the directors as it was for the kids."

As a performer we've seen him as Miss Marlene Dietrich, Marlyn Monroe and most

notably as Miss Judy Garland. Recently, with the cooperation of the Gold Coast, Frankie held a Standing Room Only benefit for the G.E.A.R. Foundation. As the financial backbone for his own shows and the lighting designer, props and costume coordinator, Frankie has much to do in preparation for a show. He also chooses the music from his own vast personal collection.

As someone with an interest in Cleveland's growth and potential, he donates his time and kindnesses to the area. Notes Frankie, "As the oldest continuing gay establishment in Cleveland, Joe and Estelle Bruno of the 620 are celebrating their 14th year with the gay community. They have a continuing rapport with the area. It's good to know that there are some straights with a sense of mind as well as heart. Congratulations and best wishes in the future."

When asked about his plans for the future, Frankie replied, "I'll continue to grow and expand as an entertainer. I want to be a part of the growth that is emminent in Cleveland's immediate future. Cleveland is becoming a viable alternative to the hussle and over-priced hassles of Chicago. Businesses and major corporations are reinvesting here. Within the next two years we'll see a major change in the gay community. It should be very interesting.".

Thanks to Frankie for his involvement and energies spent in helping gays to promote a sense of unity within the community.

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The Potsdam Quartet previews April 13 and 14, and continues through May 8.

Subscription for the three-play Brooks Theatre series are $14 for Previews and Sunday matinees; $17 for Wednesday and Thursday evenings; and $20 for Friday and Saturday evening performances.

Single ticket prices are $7.25 for Previews and Sunday matinees; $8.25 for Wednesday. and Thursday evenings; and $9.50 for Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets for students are $5 each, and for Senior Citizens $6 per person. Group rates are available.

Curtain times for the 1982-83 Brooks Theatre season are Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 8:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

Unforeseen events may force changes in the plays, players or dates.

For further information about The Cleveland Playhouse 1982-83 Brook's Theatre season, call 795-7000.

Frankle as "Miss Judy Garland" shares roses with the crowd.

COMING SOON

WEEKLY

Stag Night

S

Photo by John A. Barrick,

MAC is a committee of the GEAR Foundation.

Frankle performs a favorite Garland tune.