URI Theatre presents "By the Way, Meet Vera Stark"

The entire URI Theatre community is proud of our third production of our 2022-2023 season, Lynn Nottage’s “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark” directed by Don Mays.

A “sharp-toothed comedy” (The Wall Street Journal) “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark” offers a glimpse into the life of Vera Stark, a headstrong African-American actress who begins a career in the 1930s, at a time when her only shot at success lay in stealing small scenes in big Hollywood blockbusters. Seventy years later, film buffs are left to reflect on the life and legacy of this controversial star, whose eventual fame and fortune came at the price of perpetuating dangerous stereotypes. “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark”paints a vivid picture of the cultural climate that shaped this mysterious screen queen—and wonders who, in another time, she might have been. Drawing significantly on the tradition of the screwball comedies of the 1930s, Act One is fast-paced, whimsical and always buoyant. Act Two is no less fast-paced, but reflects the comic sensibilities of 1973 and 2003.

“By the Way, Meet Vera Stark” is entering its second weekend of performances taking place March 1-5, 2023. The in-person Box Office, which I have been managing alongside Liam Horne and Manny Maldonado, will open on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, with operating hours from M/W/F from 1-3 PM and T/TH from 12:30- 3 PM. You can access our Arts People digital box office for our entire season by visiting https://web.uri.edu/theatre/buy-tickets/. As a note, seating is limited due to the current construction in the Fine Arts Center.

After seeing this production all I can say is "By the Way, Meet Vera Stark" is not to be missed! Incredible talent on and off the stage.