A Strange Disappearance of Bees

World Premiere Comedy
In Elena Hartwell’s story, time is like a bee flitting from flower to flower, here, over there, then, back here again. What unfolds is a refreshing tale about holding loyalty tightly to the bosom and making as much sweetness as you can no matter the odds, the disappointments or shifts of fortune.
About the play
Stephen Blackwell; Kelly Komlen & Scott V. Norman
Lissa is an orphan. Her no nonsense surrogate mother is a beekeeper. Her self assured surrogate father left his thriving rural bakery shop to his long time partner, the beekeeper, who in turn passed the bakery along to the sensuous, young Lissa. Lissa’s passion is focused on the strong presence of a successful young farmer.
Lissa’s life becomes discombobulated when her surrogate father’s long lost, never seen, attractive and successful son by a Vietnamese woman suddenly enters the bakery shop. Her passions divide. That, and the unexplained disappearance of bees threatens the sweet atmosphere.
The director/Cast
Resident company member, Hank Bennett, is the director for “Disappearance of Bees.” Last season Hank directed the highly acclaimed, award winning, Rep production, My Soldiers. Two resident company members headline the cast for “Bees.” Company member, Kelly Komlen portrays Lissa, an independent, warm, and sensual young woman who owns and operates a bakery shop. Kellybrought down the house last year with her scissor rattling portrayal of a hair dresser in last year’s outrageous Rep comedy, Causa Mortis. The Rep’s Educational Director and resident actor, Milfordean Luster, portrays the calm and wise beekeeper, Rud, who uses her knowledge of bees to understand human behavior. Stephen Blackwell returns to the Rep stage to portray Callum, a farmer and beekeeper who has been involved in a complicated relationship with Lissa for three years. Stephen made his debut at the Repertory two seasons ago in the acclaimed Rep production, Last Days of a Translator. Two newcomers will round out the cast and make their debut on the Rep stage. Dexter T. Mays will make his Rep debut as, Cashman, long time friend of Rud, and adoptive father of Lissa. Scott Norman will make his Rep debut as Robert, Cashman’s long lost son by a Vietnmese woman.

Kelly Komlen & Dexter T. Mays
Performance and Prices
“Bees” opens the Repertory’s 53rd season on November 4th and runs every Thursday through Sunday until December 26, 2010. Once again the Rep will have it’s annual NYE celebration which includes a special performance of A Strange Disappearance of Bees. All tickets, fundraisers, Bargain Booklets, and Subscriptions will remain the most affordable prices for not-for-profit professional theatre in the Region. General admission will remain $17 per ticket in advance and $20 at the door. The Rep’s “Anytime, Multi-use” Gold Double Subscription for two will remain the unmatched price of $100 and a Silver Single Subscription stays at $50. 10-ticket Bargain Booklets, Regular and Matinee remain $110 and $100 respectively and still make great mini-fundraisers.
For tickets, bookings and information call or visit the Rep Box office, 313•868•1347. Tickets can be purchased by phone using Visa or MasterCard.