Hedgerow Theatre opens the New Year with a world premiere: Dorothy Parker & Friends - One Perfect Rose, adapted by Penelope Reed, David O'Connor and the Hedgerow ensemble. Previews will be Jan. 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m.; the show will open Jan. 10 and run to Jan. 27 with performances at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sunday and a Wednesday, Jan. 23 matinee show at 2pm.

As Patrons cross the threshold into Hedgerow's charming 1840 gristmill playhouse, they will be greeted by enchantingly eccentric party goers from the "Dorothy Parker Society". Then, all will enter the hall where Dorothy and her friends will take audiences on a roller coaster party in a speakeasy, country club or on the dance floor. The predicaments, the humor, the outrageous scenes of America in the early 1920's moves right into our century and New Year.

Producing Artistic Director Penelope Reed said, "A great fan of Dorothy Parker's humor and depth of understanding the human condition, I have for years wanted to share her words in some form of theatrical piece. As our ensemble delved into the work, the more Dorothy's words became the centerpiece to the event. The heart of the show is Dorothy Parker; and her friends are her characters often, dimensions of herself."

Bringing Barrymore nominated Director David O'Connor into the mix was a major coup for America's first resident repertory theatre and supports Reed's mission to restore Hedgerow's prominence as an art theatre that creates works in ensemble. Mr. O'Connor embraced the celebration theme and moved the piece to focus on the ensemble as they bring to life the parties, gatherings and relationships evoked in her works. Mr. O'Connor said, "It is a celebration and an investigation of her writing, which decades later remains fresh, relevant, cutting and fun. Her observations are refreshingly honest and apply exactly to today."

Mr. O'Connor has recently directed Out of Sight, starring solo performer Sara Felder; Our Country's Good with the People's Light and Theatre Adult Education Acting Ensemble; Kicked for the Philadelphia Fringe; A Brief History of Helen of Troy with Figure/Ground Theatre; Into the Woods with Voorhees Theatre Company; The Devils at Temple University, and The Lonesome West at Lantern Theater Company, where he also directed the Master Harold...and the boys last season. Mr. O'Connor was also named Director of the Year by Philadelphia Weekly for Master Harold.

Ms. Reed knew the crucial actress to play the title character role in Dorothy Parker & Friends was right in the Hedgerow company: She was thrilled to cast veteran actress Susan Wefel, who resembles Dorothy Parker and who in January is celebrating her 30 years as a resident company member. Surrounding her are Hedgerow ensemble members -- Newton Buchanan of Chester, Carlyn Miller of Swarthmore and Sarah Gafgen and Kevin Meehan of New Jersey. Each actor plays a wide range of characters in her works from speakeasy to country club.

Dorothy Parker and Friends - One Perfect Rose is the first of three shows exploring the 1920s era in celebration of Hedgerow's 85th year and founding in April 1923. Continuing the 1920s theme will be Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow, starring Barrymore-nominated Demetria Joyce Bailey as Ethel Waters (Jan. 31-Feb. 24) and the world-premiere of Kafka in the Hedgerows (April 24-May 18) by Nagle Jackson, a comedy inspired by the events in Rose Valley which led to the birth of Hedgerow Theatre.

Tickets to Dorothy Parker and Friends - One Perfect Rose are $22 on Thursday; $28 on Friday and Sunday; $30 on Saturday. Senior tickets are $20 for all performances and $10 for those under age 18 for all performances. Call 610-565- 4211 for reservations or visit www.hedgerowtheatre.org.

For more information any of these productions, call 610-565-4211 or visit www.hedgerowtheatre.org.

Hedgerow Theatre is at 64 Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley. Just minutes from Media. Hedgerow Theatre Company is America's Oldest Resident Repertory Theatre, founded in 1923. The theater's upcoming season features the new Signature Series, with Equity artists and the Heritage Series, showcasing the Hedgerow Ensemble , with a focus on emerging theatre artists.