JANUARY 2005
Magic Theatre, Bldg D
New York’s contemporary art scene and the national
pastime co-exist in a pressure-cooker atmosphere stoked by
passionate fans and overpaid stars. Rebecca Gilman’s
new play, The Sweetest Swing in Baseball, draws parallels
between a hot NY artist on the skids and a sport that attracts
renegade personalities like power hitter Darryl Strawberry.
The American premiere arrives at the Magic fresh from a
London run where former X-Files star Gillian Anderson
played Dana, the main character. In the play, Dana loses her
edge when her latest show bombs in New York’s trend-obsessed,
competitive art arena. Her misfortune increases as personal
problems lead to Dana facing a career crisis on her own.
Dana loses her creative inspiration and enters a downward
spiral of depression, finally ending up hospitalized in the
psychiatric ward. In desperation, she tries to claw her way
out of the disaster through the distraction of Darryl Strawberry.
Contemplating the ups and downs of a successful figure in
another over-hyped profession has a strangely healing effect.
Rebecca Gilman is a Pulitzer Prize finalist, Guggenheim fellow,
and accomplished playwright. Theaters around the world have
produced her award-winning plays. In 2002, Gilman’s Blue
Surge was a sell-out sensation at Magic Theatre. Blue
Surge’s director Amy Glazer also helms the Sweetest
Swing production.
"Magic’s audiences are a delight – always
open to the journey," said Gilman. "Their commitment
to new work is wonderful."
Get a head start on spring training and the baseball season
with Rebecca Gilman and Magic Theatre. See January
22 and www.magictheatre.org for
more information.
– Claudia Willen
Image: Jane Sayer
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