One-Woman Show Celebrates the Life and Poetry of Emily Dickinson

Amana - The Iowa Theatre Artists Company (ITAC) opens The Belle Of Amherst by William Luce on Friday, October 12 at 7:30 pm. Only six performances of this production will be offered featuring Meg Merckens in the role of the celebrated American poet, Emily Dickinson.

The Belle Of Amherst opened on Broadway in 1976, and playwright William Luce calls it “…a love affair with language, a celebration of all that is beautiful and poignant in life.” The play delicately explores the life of one of the great American poets, Emily Dickinson, from the age of fifteen, a young, vibrant girl full of hope and success, and on through the years as she becomes more and more reclusive, but still fervently pursuing her passion to see her poems published. The play, as written by Luce, draws liberally from actual letters written by Dickinson and those who knew her, to give a fascinating insight into the brilliance behind her poetry that is still read and treasured today.

Merckens first performed the role in 1983 at The Old Creamery Theatre in Garrison, and looks forward to revisiting this captivating production. “I was perhaps a bit young when I played Emily the first time around,” states Merckens who played the role in her late 20’s. “Having the opportunity to play the same role again, with a lot of life experience since the first production, has been a very touching and rewarding experience. I do hope the audience enjoys it as much as I do.”

Thomas P. Johnson, co-producer of ITAC, is the director of The Belle Of Amherst, having just directed the critically-acclaimed ITAC production of The Drawer Boy. The Belle Of Amherst runs October 12 - 21, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 1:30 pm. Tickets can be reserved by calling the ITAC box office at 319-622-3222 or email: itac@southslope.net. Ticket price is $22.50 for adults and $10 for students, with group rates available as well. Next up at ITAC will be the high octane musical, Pump Boys And Dinettes, followed by three Christmas Concert weekends beginning November 24. For more detailed information, please visit: http://www.iowatheatreartists.org."