Theatre UCF presents Theresa Rebeck’s Spike Heels in the Black Box from July 12-22, 2012. The play consists of four young adults from different classes and education levels exploring the limits of self-determination, sexual harassment, and expectations of gender roles in an increasingly feminist world.
In the script, the characters discuss Shaw’s Pygmalion (on which My Fair Lady was based) and the play itself picks up on similar themes. Friends Andrew and Edward are attempting to transform the lesser-educated and flashy Georgie into a lady. Spike Heels is a more modern version of the tale, however, and Georgie rebuffs their attempts.
“Spike Heels defies genre,” says director Kate Ingram. “It addresses serious topics and issues like sexual harassment not lightly, but without dragging the audience down. Just reading the script sounds like it might be offensive to women, but it isn’t. It is a fun play, like riding a roller coaster.”
Junior Gracie Winchester plays the lead role of Georgie in Spike Heels. Winchester has performed a wide variety of roles in the past year on the UCF stages–a comedic secretary in The Pajama Game, a distraught widow in Bury the Dead, and a comical call girl in No Sex Please, We’re British. This role is a departure from her previous work.
“At UCF, I’ve been in roles that were either highly comedic or dramatic, but this role is different because I’m just being a human being. It can be much harder to not ‘act’ and just be normal,” says Winchester.
“Georgie can be funny and sarcastic and also angry and sad. It’s a broad spectrum of emotions and I have to be ready for all of them. I try to stay as present as possible in the moment and keep listening to the other actors and respond as honestly as I can, without anticipation. It’s high energy, for sure.”
“I think the audience will find Spike Heels funny and very relatable,” continues Winchester. “It’s a very realistic play. We all have a little Georgie in us. Everybody goes through a time where they have to figure things out for themselves and that’s what Georgie is doing. She’s not right or wrong, she’s learning who she wants to be rather than letting people decide for her.”
Playwright Theresa Rebeck is the creator and executive producer of the NBC hit Smash. Her other credits include “NYPD Blue,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” and the screenplays for Harriet the Spy and Gossip. Rebeck is also the author of Seminar, currently running on Broadway and starring Alan Rickman.
Spike Heels contains adult situations and mature language.
Theatre UCF is on the UCF campus near the intersection of University Boulevard and Alafaya Trail in east Orlando. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.
To purchase tickets or for ticket information call the box office at 407-823-1500. Standard tickets are $17 ($15 for seniors; $10 for students) and group rates are available. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, available through the Theatre UCF box office. UCF offers accommodations to make the theatre more accessible to patrons with disabilities; for assistance, call the box office in advance.
Production at a glance:
Spike Heels
By Theresa Rebeck
Directed by Kate Ingram
July 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 at 8:00 pm
July 15, 22 at 2:00 pm
Main Stage Theatre
Price: Standard $17, Senior $15, Student $10; Group discounts available
Address: 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando FL 32816
Box Office Phone: (407) 823-1500
Box Office Hours: Tuesday through Friday: noon to 5 p.m. and 2 hours before performances
For more information about Theatre UCF, visit http://theatre.ucf.edu [1].