Photo Flash: SABRINA FAIR Plays the Ford Theatre Thru 10/24

The Ford's Theatre 2010-2011 season opens with "Sabrina Fair" by Samuel A. Taylor, October 1-24, 2010. Stephen Rayne ("The Heavens Are Hung In Black") returns to directs this delightful modern twist on the Cinderella story. The production features Susan Heyward as Sabrina with Todd Gearhart and Tom Story as the charming Larrabee brothers. Additional casting includes John Dow as Linus Larrabee, Sr., Helen Hedman as Maude Larrabee, Kimberly Schraf as Julia, and Craig Wallace as Fairchild.

With sparkling wit and intelligence, "Sabrina Fair" considers true love hindered by class, race and social conventions. When the daughter of the Larrabees' chauffeur returns from five years in Paris, she bewitches the Larrabee brothers with her youthful vitality and newly found sophistication. Largely ignored as a child, Sabrina now finds suitors at every turn, including the handsome playboy David, for whom she has always harbored affection. But is David the right Larrabee brother for her?

"Samuel A. Taylor's 'Sabrina Fair' is a wonderful social comedy that has largely been ignored for the last fifty years," said Director Stephen Rayne. "We have given the story a fresh perspective by casting black actors in the roles of Sabrina and her father Fairchild and, with no changes to the script, have cast a new light on the struggles faced in relationships across lines of race and class. This simple change invites audiences to look at a story made famous by movie adaptations with fresh eyes and adds a contemporary resonance that many may not expect to find in such an engaging comedy."

"Sabrina Fair" is made possible by Lead Sponsor Oshkosh Corporation and Sponsors Visa, Inc. and LockheEd Martin Corporation. Ford's Theatre's 2010-2011 season sponsors are The Home Depot and Chevron. Media partner City ShopGirl provides promotional support throughout the run.

Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson