Benchley in Worcester

Bob Benchley returns to his native city of Worcester, Massachusetts, in a three-evening series that begins Thursday, June 28, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. Other dates in the series are Thursday, July 26th and Thursday, August 23rd. Robert Benchley's grandson, Nat Benchley, creator of the one-man show "Benchley Despite Himself," will be participating on all three dates.

Worcester Historical Museum is pleased to announce a partnership with American Classic Theatre for a three-part summer series: Benchley, Behrman and Bishop: Wit, Wisdom and Whimsy from the Great Writers of Worcester.

Each evening will have a unique focus, with material coming from the drawing-room comedies of S.N. Behrman, the humor of Algonquin Round Table member Robert Benchley, the exquisite poetry of Elizabeth Bishop, and their contemporaries. These three remarkably talented people called Worcester their hometown before moving on to the literary circles of New York City. American Classic Theatre's Artistic Director James B. Nicola will direct. Each performance will feature an honor bar and hor d'ourves.

The June reading will incorporate scenes from Biography. Written by S.N. Behrman and first performed in 1932, Biography is a brilliant take on media overexposure when a single woman, semi-famous for painting celebrities’ portraits, is asked to write her memoirs. The play went on to become a feature film in 1934 staring Ann Harding and Robert Montgomery. Other notable works that will be featured are "How to Watch A Chess Match" by Robert Benchley and "The Fish" by Elizabeth Bishop. The evening will also feature pieces by Dorothy Parker, Charles Olson, Frank O'Hara, and Worcester's poet laureate, Stanley Kunitz, along with a special guest.

Cost: $20.00 per person. Info info@worcesterhistory.net or 508-753-8278.