Touchstone Theatres main stage season opens October 24 with the critically acclaimed productionWeights, a live performance on losing vision and gaining insight, written and performed by Lynn Manning. Manning, who lost his sight at age twenty-three, takes audience members on a compelling, 90-minute journey as he recounts a tough upbringing in South Central Los Angeles, the brutal events surrounding the loss of his sight and his subsequent struggle to reclaim his independence.

Weightswill be shown at Touchstone Theatre from October 24 through October 28.Tickets for Friday and Saturday performances are $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors.At our Pay What You Will performances: Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm, and at Sunday at 2pm, audience members may name their ticket price at the door.This offer does not apply to advance ticket sales.To purchase tickets, call Touchstones box office at 610-867-1689.

On Saturday, October 27 at 2PM, Touchstone will present a special performance ofWeights.The performance will be followed by a 20-minute talkback session with Manning and a wine & cheese reception.Tickets for this event are $35 and proceeds will benefitVIABL(Visual Impairment & Blindness Services)Services.Tickets for this special performance can be reserved by callingVIABL Servicesat 610-866-8049.

We are very excited about this performance, said Karen Huetter, Director of Development for VIABL Services, it seemed like a very natural thing to be involved with.This play is devoted to the fact that Mr. Manning was able to make a transition.Its what we try to focus on. The fact that youCAN make it.

Since losing his vision, Manning has become a Paralympics silver medalist, a world champion in blind judo, and an accomplished performer, playwright and poet.

Weightshas been performed in Los Angeles, New York, Zagreb, Croatia and most recently at the 2007 Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Celebrating more than 25 years,Touchstone Theatreproduces and presents both original and classic productions, with dedication to the renewal of theatre as a vital art form. Touchstone works to foster collaboration on a local and national level through educational and youth empowerment programs, using theatre as a community-building tool. Visit us on the web at www.touchstone.org.