Frankie and Johnny: One night in New York, a poignant funny and bittersweet comedy

Posted: 9th July 2020

 

Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune is a heart-warming, funny, smart and wonderfully raw story. It is also the first play to mark the reopening of Titchfield Festival Theatre - and streamed live.

Set in Frankie's New York apartment, two lonely souls’ debate whether or not to take a chance on love. Johnny, a short order cook, is in good physical condition; Frankie, a waitress, is frumpy and emotionally defined by her unattractiveness. Johnny is certain he has found his soul mate in Frankie. She, on the other hand, is far more cautious. As the night unfolds, they slowly begin to reveal themselves to each other and question if this could be the first tentative step towards real love.

Frankie and Johnny is directed by Zia Wheeldon who said, “The entire play is set over one night, as Johnny tries to do everything to convince Frankie that they should be together. Both characters are in their 40s, Johnny is intense but ever the optimist – and has recently completed a spell in prison – whilst Frankie is unsure as to whether it should be no more than a one-night stand.

“Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune is a very raw, honest piece of writing by the playwright  Terrence McNally; it is all the more poignant because sadly the writer died from coronavirus in March, just at the start of the pandemic. This is therefore a suitable tribute to him; and I am also proud that it is the first Titchfield production to be screened live. Frankie and Johnny is a wonderful, powerful and romantic comedy two-hander that our audiences will really enjoy.”

Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune opens on Monday 13 July in the Acorn Studio and runs until Saturday 18 July. If permitted under any revised Government guidelines, performances will take place in front of a limited audience. However, if this does not happen the play will be performed with live streaming on the Friday and Saturday nights, similar to football matches currently. Patrons should note that the 2-metre social distancing rule does not apply to our performers for this show as they have been self- isolating together!

For more information including booking tickets and details of the live streamed performances, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.