7 Stages presents Lady Lay
Apr 5, 2013

Newly named artistic director Heidi S. Howard directs 7 Stages founders Del Hamilton and Faye Allen in Lady Lay by Lydia Stryk running April 25- May 19.

This is Howard's first directorial project as new leader of the Little Five Points theatre. Lady Lay takes a joy ride through life's rules and regulations. MariAnne has worked at a West Berlin Employment office all her life. When she hears Bob Dylan on the radio her world is forever changed and the wall comes tumbling down. Although she can hardly understand the words of this inspirational new music, MariAnne begins a personal revolution. Through the inspiration of music and a relationship with an artist, she discovers her heart breaking through the walls of limitation.

Howard too is realizing a personal revolution as she goes through this transition of leadership. She finds this production offers lessons in identity, and Hamilton in turn is her muse, her Bob Dylan. His lyrics, "Why wait any longer for the world to begin?" echoes Hamilton's sentiment. "It's time for Heidi to take her place as artistic director and define herself as a leader in our community." Lady Lay is a love story -- a love of language, a love of freedom, a love of art and expression. This production is Howard's love story to Hamilton.

Howard has set the bar high with this production. She started by hiring an exceptional cast including 7 Stages founders Del Hamilton, playing Bob Dylan, and Faye Allen, as part of the ensemble of players. Atlanta actress Stacy Melich (My Left Breast), returns to 7 Stages in a big way by tackling the role of MariAnne. Hometown girl turned Second City actress Tara Ochs, last seen at 7 Stages in Mr. Universe, will play a multitude of characters with the ensemble, as well as the guitar. Also a part of the ensemble is Bajo Sanubi, who is making his 7 Stages debut. Howard called on musician and actor Jed Drummond, most recently seen onstage as Arthur in Dracula: The Rock Opera, to be the leader of the ensemble. Howard and Drummond are collaborating to create a musical atmosphere that incorporates samples of Bob Dylan's songs. Lady Lay is not a Dylan retrospective, but his music and lyrics are sprinkled throughout the show. The set design for the show requires objects to fall from the sky while breaking down the walls of reality. This in and of itself is a challenge in any space. In 7 Stages' Black Box it requires a more than apt designer. After seeing the work Nadia Morgan did for Angry Fags, Howard knew she had found the right woman for the job. "I am reeling with the power of this cast and production team creating a world together to force our shift in transition and break down the walls that limit possibility. Like Dylan says in the show 'Don't look back.' "