For Immediate Release:
Contact: David Kuehn, Executive Director
Cotuit Center for the Arts
Phone: (508) 428-0669
Email: David@cotuitcenterforthearts.org
Website: ArtsOnTheCape.org
2nd Wednesday Theater Presents “Beyond Reasonable Doubt” at Cotuit Center for the Arts
Cotuit Center for the Arts’ 2nd Wednesday Theater will present a staged reading of “Beyond
Reasonable Doubt,” a set of six short plays written and directed by Anne Carter Aitken, on
Wednesday, April 8, at 7:30 PM, on the main stage.
Each play presents something familiar and special to Cape Cod—a book, a painting, a person, a
relationship—in a new light. The title of the group of plays, “Beyond Reasonable Doubt,” is a phrase
that was defined and engrained in the US justice system by Lemuel Shaw, Chief Justice of
Massachusetts, who was born and grew up in the Parsonage in West Barnstable.
In “Chop Suey,” Edward Hopper’s famous painting comes to life. “Houseguests” is about that bane of
Cape Codders. The story of Marconi’s first wireless telegraphic message from South Wellfleet,
between President Teddy Roosevelt and King Edward VII, is recounted in “Marconi and the King of
England.”
“Moby Quick” is a high-speed romp through Herman Melville’s masterpiece. Melville was Lemuel
Shaw’s son-in-law. “The Doubtful Guest” presents the real story behind Edward Gorey’s illustrated
book of the same name. “Nobel Prize” is about the many Nobel Prize Laureates of Cape Cod.
"Another dimension will be added by projected backdrops, adding to the drama created by Cotuit's
most talented troupe of actors, and the atmosphere evoked by our talented pianist,” said Anne
Carter Aitken.
For most of her (long) life, West Barnstable resident Aitken has written plays for schools, community
groups, and a theater club in Boston. “In a short play, not a word can be wasted and there is not
much time for character development. The fun is putting words on paper and watching a group of
actors bring the story to life,” she said.
Second Wednesday Theater is a monthly play-reading series of rarely performed classics,
undiscovered gems, and exciting new works. Admission is free, and wine is available for $5 a glass.
Cotuit Center for the Arts is at 4404 Route 28 in Cotuit. For more information, visit artsonthecape.org
or call 508-428-0669.
# # #
What:
2nd Wednesday Theater presents “Beyond Reasonable Doubt,” six short plays by Anne Carter Aiken
Where:
Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Route 28, Cotuit
When:
Wednesday, April 8, 7:30 PM
Admission:
Free
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