CUPS, a comedy that traces the milestones in a woman's life through the bras she has worn, starts Thursday, August 11 at the Scherr Forum Theatre in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Playwright Joni Sheram wove together a collection of stories that reminds audiences of how this intimate apparel holds our memories too.
"CUPS takes the audience on a hilarious, sometimes poignant ride from training to push-up, front hooked and strapless to nursing and mastectomy bras," explained CUPS producer Karen Yuhasz. "Joni Sheram's stories capture a lifetime of remarkable events. This is definitely a play you're going to want to take the girls to."
CUPS began as a project at the Manitou Arts Center in Colorado Springs, CO, where playwright Sheram was an artist-in-residence. As the show's popularity grew, word spread about CUPS to Arizona and Southern California, where the show has been staged by Ms. Sheram. The Denver Post called CUPS "uplifting," "hilarious" and "poignant."
"When I first heard about this hit comedy playing in Denver, I was intrigued by the subject matter," added Theater League President Mark Edelman. "After all, guys are as interested in bras as women are. But seeing the show, I got a better understanding of gender dynamics and how important these milestones can be. Joni wrote a touching, funny play that will certainly appeal to women-- but it will bring back memories (and smiles) for the men in our audience, too."
The Thousand Oaks engagement of CUPS benefits breast cancer awareness and survivor support. "Part of what Joni wanted to do is reach out to women who have experienced breast cancer-- make their stories part of CUPS," continued Edelman. "That's why it has been very important for us to work with survivor and awareness groups to get the word out about CUPS and use the play to raise money for these important causes."
The California premiere of CUPS features television and film star Gwynyth Walsh and is directed by Jana Robbins and produced by Karen Yuhasz for Theater League. The performance schedule for CUPS, beginning August 11 at Scherr Forum at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, is as follows:
Tuesday - Friday 8:00 p.m. (opens Thursday, August 11)
Saturday 2 & 8:00 p.m. (no Saturday 8:00 p.m. August 13)
Sunday 2 & 7:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $29.00 plus handling. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza box office or by calling 800.745.3000. Groups of 10 or more can save up to 30% by calling 866.31.GROUP. For more information visit www.theaterleague.org or www.cupsonstage.com.
Theater League is a not-for-profit performing arts organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the communities it serves with the thrill of live! theater.
