For Immediate Release: May 18, 2005
Media Contact: Margie Royal, Hedgerow Theatre, 610.565.4211

Hedgerow Theatre's New Play Festival begins Thursday, May 26 with a world-premiere fundraiser of Gorked! by Donald Drake. benefiting The Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter. So often we hear about the problems caregivers face," said Penelope Reed. "In Donald Drake's finely wrought play we see the stages of the caregiver simultaneous with the patient's world so we see a love story of great depth." Tickets are $45 and include a 6:30 p.m. wine and cheese reception, followed by an 8 p.m. performance. Call 610-565-4211 for reservations.

Gorked!, a romantic comedy written by Donald Drake of Philadelphia, A tender love story about the decisions that confront us in life's twilight years. Words and thoughts are fractured by the loss of a mind, and a family struggles as Alzheimer's robs the father's capacity to communicate. When is it right to let go of life and how shall we allow those we love that option? This tour de force of theatrical imagination will ring true for anyone who has ever watched over a loved one's decline, and invites all of us to consider the circumstances of going gentle into that good night. Performances will continue Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. through June 12.

A former medical writer and narrative editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer, Mr. Drake was known for using playwriting techniques in recounting the many exciting and dramatic things that happened in hospitals and research laboratories where he wrote many stories on patients with Alzheimer's disease and strokes. He often wondered what was going on in the minds of the patients who had lost contact with the outside world, but did not seem in pain or fear. Might they might not be at peace or fully engaged in a private world that was far more pleasant than the world they were surrounded by. It is from these musings that Gorked! was born.

The Hedgerow production will feature Equity actors Lenny Haas, Rob Lanchester, producing artistic director Penelope Reed and Kate Hurster and Best Actress Barrymore nominee Meg O'Brian. Rob Lanchester will direct the production.

The Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley chapter serves Southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware. It is the local chapter of the National Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association.

"We are very pleased to benefit from this event as it will increase the awareness of Alzheimer's disease in the community," said Jennifer Miller, associate Director of Marketing/Communications for the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter.

The organization is an alliance of family members and professionals dedicated to helping people with Alzheimer's disease and their families through education, advocacy, and support. Call 800-272-3900 for more information.

Tickets to the Thursday, May 26 performance are $45 and includes a wine and cheese reception at 6:30 p.m.

Gorked! will be staged at 8 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley chapter and Hedgerow's scholarship program. Call 610-565-4211 for reservations. Hedgerow Theatre is at 64 Rose Valley Road, Media.

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