Ghost-Writer
By Michael Hollinger
Directed by James J. Christy
Originally produced at Arden Theatre Company, Philadelphia, PA.
September 9, 2011 through November 7, 2011
About the Premiere Production: Novelist Franklin Woolsey dies mid-sentence, but his secretary Myra continues to take dictation. Attacked by skeptics, the press and Woolsey’s jealous widow, Myra sets out to prove she is more than just an artful forger. Is she trying to steal Woolsey’s legacy now that she cannot have his love, or might she truly possess a gift the world can’t understand?
Artistic Statement: Our ongoing collaboration with Michael Hollinger ranks as one of the Arden’s most significant artistic achievements. The relationship dates back to 1995 and the world premiere of An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf. Michael is our most produced writer excepting Stephen Sondheim. Our audience base has an unusually intimate, ongoing relationship with him and his work, and we have seen similar relationships develop in other communities. Ghost-Writer, his first new play since Opus, contains a profound sense of longing and displays Michael’s precise and evocative use of the music of the spoken word. This is a great story by a gifted Philadelphia writer, and we are thrilled to be bringing it to the stage. - From Terrence J. Nolen, Producing Artistic Director
What this grant has allowed us to do: Our Edgerton grant provides for two additional weeks of rehearsal for Ghost-Writer. Michael Hollinger is making use of the time to do significant revisions. At the Arden we do our best to schedule extended rehearsal periods for new plays for this very reason. The Edgerton grant is a remarkable resource that allows us to support playwrights like Michael – providing them with the time and resources they need to fully develop their work – as they seek to tell stories of exceptional quality. - From Amy L. Murphy, Managing Director
Director: James J. Christy
Set Design: David P. Gordon
Lighting Design: Jerold R. Forsyth
Sound Design: Jorge Cousineau
Costume Design: Charlotte Cloe Fox Wind
Additional Funders:
Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation
Ghost-Writer is produced under the auspices of the Arden's Independence Foundation New Play Showcase.
Production Sponsor: Fox Chase Bank
Honorary Producers: Fred and Emily Anton
News
'Ghost-Writer' at the Arden, about writing, typing, love
Philadelphia Inquirer, September 17, 2010
Ghost Writer Opens Season at Arden Theater
CBS, September 16, 2010
Ghost-Writer: Arden Theatre production tackles a tough topic with great dialogue, acting.
Philadelphia Weekly, September 28, 2010
Hollinger's 'Ghost-Writer' at the Arden
Broad Street Review, September 14, 2010
World Premiere of Ghost Writer by Opus-Playwright Hollinger Begins Sept. 9 in Philly
Playbill, September 9, 2010
Arden Theatre Company Presents Ghost-Writer 9/9-14
Broadway World, August 11, 2010
Megan Bellwoar, Patricia Hodges, Douglas Rees Set for Arden's Ghost-Writer
Theater Mania, August 11, 2010
Subsequent Productions:
Creede Repertory Theatre in Creede, CO August 17, 2012 - September 21, 2012
Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota, FL April 6, 2011 - June 4, 2011
Florida Stage in West Palm Beach, FL March 2, 2011 - April 3, 2011
Theatre In The Square in Marietta, GA September 28, 2011 - October 30, 2011
Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA April 19, 2012 - May 13, 2012
Commonweal Theatre Company in Lanesboro, MN September 15, 2017 - November 12, 2017
Arden Theatre Co in Philadelphia, PA September 9, 2010 - October 31, 2010
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in Bloomsburg, PA April 28, 2011 - May 15, 2011