Hot show in a cool theater … Heartwood Regional Theater Company presents “The House of Bernarda Alba” in the newly air conditioned Parker Poe Theater, at Lincoln Academy, Newcastle. Breaking a tradition of musical theater in July, Artistic Director Griff Braley chose to “go serious for the summer” with a searing drama by Federico Garcia Lorca, whose works are rarely staged in Maine. Temperatures and passions run high, featuring a ten member all-female cast and original music performed by guest artist and acclaimed flamenco guitarist, Juanito Pascual, of Boston. The ensemble is taut, the tradition oppressive. The suffocating existence of these ten village women from 1930s Spain is laced with jealousy, fear, and suppressed desire - and will leave audiences breathless.

On a gorgeous set of ceramic tile and stucco, the cast is led with unwavering conviction by Millie Santiago, as the tyrannical matriarch, Bernarda Alba. Her five daughters are portrayed by Mary Boothby, Rowan Caroll-Christopher, Katie Matzell, Maddy Sherrill, and Elise Voigt. Woven into the family fabric are the maid (Nancy-Grace Dersham), Bernarda’s mother (Margo Morrison O’Leary), servant (Beverly Mann) and neighbor (Kim Fletcher). The subtlety of language and emotions required of this ensemble are startling and rare.

A modern masterpiece written in 1936 just before the Spanish Civil War, this gripping work is set on the funeral day of Bernarda Alba's second husband. With a fierce iron will, Bernarda imposes an eight year period of mourning on her restless daughters. Handsome, young Pepe el Romano is engaged to the family's eldest daughter, but as the truths surrounding Pepe and the sisters’ relationships emerge through the sweltering atmosphere of suppression and tyranny, the results are tragic.

“The House of Bernarda Alba” is supported by season sponsor Bath Savings Institution and show sponsor Newcastle Publick House. For a complete evening of Midcoast delights, join one of several local restaurants supporting live theater performance and education at Heartwood this season: the Newcastle Publick House, Damariscotta River Grill, King Eider’s Pub, Rising Tide Community Market, and Salt Bay Café.

Audiences who have enjoyed nine seasons of live Heartwood performances in the Poe Theater will find the new, cooler conditions even more conducive to a memorable evening of theater!

Ninety minute performances will run for two weekends only in the Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy. Evening performances beginning at 7:30 will show July 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28, with a final 3 p.m. matinee Sunday, July 29. Seating is general, though special arrangements may be made at the time of reservation. Tickets are $12/students and $18/adults. Reservations are strongly suggested and may be obtained by calling 563-1373 or emailing boxoffice@heartwoodtheater.org.