Tag Archives: The Runner Stumbles

First 2019 play for The Weekend Theater – THE RUNNER STUMBLES

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Image may contain: 2 peopleThe Weekend Theater starts 2019 with a mystery.

A young nun has died under mysterious circumstances in a remote parish in northern Michigan, and her superior, Father Rivard, has been charged with her murder. The action alternates between interrogations, testimony, and scenes from the past.

The relationship which forms, inevitably, spells tragedy, but not until the end of the play in which the extent of their sacrifice is made clear and the identity of the murderer is revealed.

This play, by Milan Stitt, has been captivating audiences since it premiered at Hartford Stage in the 1970s. It is directed by: Laurel Burnette

The cast includes Chad Fulmer, Laura Landers, Drew Ellis, Elizabeth Reha, Mikhala Denney, Leigh Baker, Lee Hill, Jerry Green, and Matt White.

The production runs for eight performances over three weeks.

  • Friday, January 11 – 7:30pm
  • Saturday, January 12 – 7:30pm
  • Friday, January 18 – 7:30pm
  • Saturday, January 19 – 7:30pm
  • Sunday, January 20 – 2:30pm
  • Thursday, January 24 – 7:30pm
  • Friday, January 25 – 7:30pm
  • Saturday, January 26 – 7:30pm

The Box Office and the theater open one (1) hour prior to curtain. The House opens 30 minutes prior to curtain. Please arrive promptly. There will be no late admission. No Refunds or Exchanges

31 Day of Arkansas Rep: THE RUNNER STUMBLES in 1979

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Pat Brown, director of THE RUNNER STUMBLES

While he directed most shows at the Rep during the early years, Cliff Fannin Baker would bring in guest directors from time to time. One of these was Pat Brown who helmed the February 1979 production of The Runner Stumbles.

A co-founder of Houston’s Alley Theatre, Brown also had connections to Little Rock; she was a niece of Little Rock businesswoman Mae Horn (who dressed ALL the best-dressed men.)

Though Brown had worked all over the US, this was the first time she had directed The Runner Stumbles. This Milan Stitt play had run for 396 performances on Broadway from 1976 to 1978. The Arkansas Rep was one of the first regional theatres to produce the play.  (Side note: the original Broadway production was directed by Austin Pendleton who would later direct A Loss of Roses at Arkansas Rep.)

In his Arkansas Gazette review, Bill Lewis called the production “one of the strongest yet” for the Rep.  He described it as a “compelling, somber drama” that was “impeccably directed and acted with highest octane virtuosity.”  Lewis was not one to mince words, so when he gave praise it was deserved.

The cast for A Runner Stumbles included Craig Fuller, Jean Hendrickson, Scott Edmonds, Jean Lind, Ron Aulgur, Ken Klingenmeier, Jeannine Le May, Robert Boles, and Phyllis Blumenfeld. The show was designed by Byl Harriell.  Guy Couch assisted with set decoration and props.

The production ran from February 1 to 18 of 1979.