Psychodrama on stage at Theatre Conspiracy

COURTESY PHOTO Joann Haley and Michael McNally perform in "Duet for One" at the Theatre Conspiracy opening Friday, Jan. 9. "Duet for One" opens Friday, Jan. 9, at Theatre Conspiracy, Southwest Florida's most unique theater.

Presented in partnership with Lee Mental Health Center, Inc., "Duet for One" centers around Stephanie Abrahams, a brilliant concert violinist, who seemingly has it all but is forced to re-evaluate her life when struck down by an unforeseen tragedy. Faced with a truth too difficult to comprehend, she consults psychiatrist Dr. Feldmann and through a series of highly charged encounters is led to examine her deepest emotions and finally to consider a future without music.

The play unfolds as a series of sessions between Stephanie and her psychiatrist. The interplay of her attempts to avoid the reality of her pain and increasing disability, and the therapist's efforts to bring her to face them, deal with them, and accept them, provide both emotional fireworks and remarkable insight into the inner world of the artist.

Two of Theatre Conspiracy's finest actors — Joann Haley and Michael McNally — perform this gripping and deeply moving psychological drama in its first production in Southwest Florida.

"Duet for One" plays through Jan. 24. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with one special Wednesday night performance on Jan. 21 and one Saturday matinee on Jan. 17 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $22 or $10 for students and can be purchased by calling Theatre Conspiracy's box office at 936-3239.

The theater is located at 2711 Park Windsor Drive, off Evans Avenue, onequarter mile north of Southwest Regional Medical Center.