Bridge Players Theatre Company is proud to present A Lesson Before Dying by Romulus Linney. Based on the novel by Ernest Gaines, A Lesson Before Dying is set in the fictional city of Bayonne, Louisiana in the late 1940s. An engrossing and gripping drama, it chronicles the transformation of a young African-American man unjustly accused of murder.

According to director Pat Marotta, A Lesson Before Dying takes the audience on a incredible psychological journey as the characters-who are confronting a deeply prejudiced society from a variety of perspectives-come to realize that simply resisting "the expected" is an act of heroism. The play weaves a plot of tragedy, anger and despair into a triumphant proclamation in the ability of one man to make a difference.

The cast features talented actors from the area, including Tyler Riley of Burlington Township, NJ in the role of Jefferson, Cecelia Hodges of Princeton as Jefferson's godmother Emma Glenn, and Russell Johnson from Mohnton, PA in the lead role as Grant Wiggins, the young teacher "assigned" to instruct Jefferson in prison. Vivian Baptiste, Jefferson's fiancé is portrayed by Lori Howard from Mt. Laurel, NJ; the Reverend Ambrose is portrayed by Alonzo Jennings of Willingboro, NJ; Ed Clarke from Hammonton, NJ plays Sheriff Sam Guidry, and Dave Piltz from Bristol, PA is his assistant Paul Bonin.

Included in the price of admission, an exhibit of works by local African American artists will be on display for the audience to view. Participating artists include Willingboro residents Donald Stevens and Lavett Ballard. Also on display will be a portion of the Burlington County Black History Exhibit, which highlights the accomplishments of notable African Americans, both past and present, from Burlington County.

Bridge Players is also partnering with the Underground Railroad Museum in Burlington, NJ., which will have extended hours prior to each performance. Located just a short walk from the performance venue, the Underground Railroad Educational Center is a unique facility located on a New Jersey State designated Underground Railroad site, behind Wheatley's Drug Store, at 16-18 East Union Street. The museum contains a visual presentation of the Underground Railroad experience in America, with emphasis on New Jersey and Burlington County.
For more information, visit www.bridgeplayerstheatre.com.