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The 39th season of opens with “Witch” by Jen Silverman opens the 39th season at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, at Mad Horse Theatre in South Portland. Additional showtimes are scheduled through Nov. 3.

In this Maine premier, a charming devil arrives in the quiet village of Edmonton to bargain for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes. Elizabeth should be his easiest target having been labeled a “witch” and cast out by the town but her soul is not so readily bought.

“’Witch’ is smart, witty, compassionate, and a firm call to action. This piece checks numerous boxes in what we might consider ‘A Mad Horse Play’ by presenting artists and audiences with earnest dualities of what it means to be human, and setting the banquet table with ample conversation points to keep the dialogue going once folks leave the theatre. Each character embodies a classic archetype yet turns our expectations upside down. Audiences will be frustrated and challenged by the circumstances we witness them navigating,” Mad Horse Theatre Artisitic Director Allison McCall said.

“What would you sell your soul for? Immeasurable riches, power beyond compare? Maybe even  the chance to start over? I mean, were you planning on using your soul for something else? Charming, witty, and hitting close to home, ‘Witch’ explores how little times have changed, but how change is always possible — for a price. Our incredible design team is hard at work creating an intense experience that will leave our audiences feeling fired up right before election day, and I feel so grateful to work with this cast and company to help bring such an important play to life.” said director Hollie Pryor.

The cast includes company members; Janice Gardner and Savannah Irish and guest artists; Mason Hawkes, Dave Heath, J.Will Fritz, and Jesse Leighton.   The crew includes company members: Lauren Stockless (Production Manager); Jake Cote (Fight Coordination); Stacey Koloski (Props Design); Nick Schroeder (Dramaturgy); and guest artists: Christine Marshall, emeritus MH member (Costume Design); Hollie Pryor (Director); Skylar Helena (Stage Manager); Molly Wagner (Assistant Stage Manager); Leo Mock (Intimacy Coordinator); Nancy Salmon (Choreography);Sage Bartlett (Set Design); Ryan McGowan (Sound Design); and Emily Kenny (Lighting Design).

Silverman is an American playwright, TV writer, poet, and novelist. They are the author of the books “The Island Dwellers” and the novels “We Play Ourselves” and “There’s Going to Be Trouble.” Silverman has written a number of plays and has written for TV and film, including Netflix’s “Tales of the City” (2019 miniseries) and “Tokyo Vice.” Their play, “Collective Rage” was a MH production in 2022. Silverman is set to make their Broadway debut as a playwright in the fall of 2024 with their play “The Roommate” at the Booth Theatre, starring Mia Farrow and Patti Lupone.

The shows run Thursday thru Saturday at 7:30 p.m. the first weekend, with three Sunday performances, two at 2 p.m. and one at 5 p.m. and one 7:30 p.m. Wednesday performance the last week of the run. The entire season of Mad Horse productions are Pay-What-You-Decide. That means every production, every performance, every person pays what you decide. Make a no-cost reservation.
Come see the show.
Make a payment as you leave the theater.

In addition to PWYD Mad Horse is delighted to announce a First Friday subscription model for the season. Each subscription reserves the holder two tickets for each First Friday performance of the season, and guarantees immediate access to the post-show Friday gala parties with the cast, creative team, company members, and fellow audience members. Season subscriptions are limited and can be purchased online at madhorse.com/subscriptions.

To connect with Mad Horse Theatre Company visit our website (www.madhorse.com) or Facebook (Mad Horse Theatre Company), follow us on Instagram and Twitter @madhorsetheatre, or send an email to: madhorsetheatre@gmail.com. Mad Horse Theatre Company is located at 
24 Mosher St., South Portland. For more information, visit madhorse.com.