Miners Alley Playhouse Presents THE PITMAN PAINTERS, 3/1-4/7

In 1934, a group of Ashington miners hired a professor to teach an art appreciation evening class. Rapidly abandoning theory in favour of practice, the pitmen began to paint - prolifically. Within a few years avant-garde artists became their friends and their work was acquired by prestigious collectors; but every day they continued to work, as before, down the mine.

The Pitmen Painters is highly amusing, deeply moving and always entertaining as it examines the lives of a group of ordinary men who do extraordinary things.

Miners Alley Playhouse presents the Regional Premiere of "The Pitmen Painters" March 1 through April 7. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7). Tickets are $19.00 to $29.50 with senior, student and group rates available by calling 303-935-3044 or online at minersalley.com.

Opening night, March 1, features a hors d' oeuvres gala reception after the show; the audience is invited to join the festivities and mingle with the cast at no extra charge. On Saturday March 9, 2013, Miners Alley holds its "Second Saturday Members Appreciation Night" and conversation with the director, cast and crew after the performance.

The stellar cast includes Jan Cleveland (Helen Sutherland), Mark Collins (Oliver Kilbourn), Tim Fishbaugh (George Brown), Peter David Giffin (Robert Lyon), Sam Gilstrap (Jimmy Floyd), Paul Borrillo (Harry Wilson), Kristen Mair (Susan Parks) and Brandon Palmer (Young Lad/Ben).

What happens when a bunch of British miners wander into a painting class? "Who should make art? What makes art? What does art make of its maker? Who owns art? And how much should art cost, anyway? The conversation that comes out when these guys sit down and try to figure it all out is an art in itself." Variety.

"An inspiring, important new play. The Pitmen Painters asks-as Hall did in Billy Elliot-why the arts seem to belong to a privileged cabal...a play that's both deliciously comic and grave." - London Observer

Miners Alley Playhouse presents the Regional Premiere of
"The Pitmen Painters"
What happens when a bunch of British miners wander into a painting class?
Mar. 1 - Apr. 7
Fri. and Sat. @ 7:30 p.m. and Sun @ 6 p.m. (2 p.m. on Apr. 7)
$19.00 - $29.50; senior, student and group rates available.
303-935-3044 or online at www.minersalley.com

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