Theatre Artists Workshop presents "The Heiress"

The Heiress is a powerful play of heartbreak and revenge based on the novel Washington Square by Henry James.  The , 5 Gregory Boulevard, has chosen this drama as the first Classic Night reading (they are not presenting it as a play) of their 2011 season on Feb. 11 and 12 at 8 p.m.

Ruth and Augustus Goetz, who wrote the stage play, also wrote the screenplay for the film version, starring Olivia de Havilland, who won the Oscar for her portrayal of Catherine Sloper. Montgomery Clift played Morris Townsend, her ardent suitor, and Ralph Richardson was her domineering, suspicious father, Dr. Austin Sloper.

A shy young woman, her handsome, charming, but penniless suitor, and her wealthy, tyrannical father are the heart of the storyline.

Stratford actor Katie Sparer is undertaking the role of Catherine Sloper; Norwalk’s James Noble portrays her father, Dr. Sloper, and Mark Basile of Weston plays the ardent Morris Townsend.

“I love to play the kind of parts where you grow and change throughout the play,” said Sparer.  “Catherine evolves from being shy and plain, to being strong and beautiful.”

Noble, a member of the Workshop for about 20 years, is probably best known for his role as the governor on the television series Benson. For some, it might be hard to imagine this mild-mannered man with a pleasant face, as being a tyrant. “That’s what makes it astonishing,” he joked.

“I just love to act. You get to have all these great experiences, and nobody divorces you, and you don’t go to jail,” Noble said.

Rounding out the cast are Miles Everett of Thomaston, Joan Grant of Westport, Leigh Katz, also of Westport, Carolyn Marble of Ridgefield, Jo Anne Parady of Norwalk, and Cos Cob resident Florence Phillips.  Richard Leonard, also of Cos Cob, is directing.

There are no reservations or admission charges for the performances. However, donations are accepted.  More information is available at www.taworkshop.org, or by calling 854-6830.

The Workshop’s next Classic Night, scheduled for March 11 and 12, is Misalliance, written by George Bernard Shaw. Katie Sparer will direct.