THEATRE NOVA PRESENTS
by Shem Bitterman
“Extraordinary art must be tamed," says reclusive genius Simon Grindberg, the world’s most illustrious children’s book writer. But, holed up in a remote cabin with his next masterpiece a decade overdue, it's not clear who is the master and who is the servant. When Peter Chandler, a starving artist with literary aspirations of his own, is hired to help “The Great Man” finish his overdue book, an unlikely friendship ensues, haunting secrets emerge, and the lines of reality begin to blur. Ultimately, both men must face the terrifying beast dwelling in the dark forest, in a struggle for their artistry, their sanity, and their souls.
Directed by Nancy Kammer, The Stone Witch features Dennis Kleinsmith, Ethan Kankula, and Diane Hill. The production team includes Forrest Hejkal (scenic design), Jeff Alder (lighting design), Harper Wildern (art projection) Haley Cook (costume design), Carla Milarch (sound design), and Alona Shewach (stage manager).
PULP: ARTS AROUND ANN ARBOR
THEATRE NOVA’S "STONE WITCH" MEDITATES ON ELUSIVE CREATIVITY
“the play’s strength is the growing understanding between two men on opposite ends of their shared career. Theatre Nova director Nancy Kammer and her cast find that emotional core and the sometimes bizarre humor just below the Great Man’s rage and the young man’s uncertainty
The Stone Witch is a different kind of Halloween story. It ponders some deep questions but with a sense of humor as well as rage. And, of course, what would Halloween be without a scary monster, a raging storm, a darkening forest, and melting honey trees."
​
WEMU: ART & SOUL
89.1 WEMU's Lisa Barry is joined by writer and critic Jenn McKee and actress Diane Hill.
“They discuss the details of our current production The Stone Witch by Shem Bitterman with a shout out to actors Dennis Kleinsmith and Ethan Kankula and director Nancy Kammer-Wildern. They also talk about what makes Theatre Nova unique, including Founding Artistic Director Carla Milarch and Producing Artistic Director David Wolber."
​
