Two Wauwatosa Actresses Shine in Acacia Theatre’s “Heaven Sent”

Wauwatosa residents, Claire Zempel, the female lead at 11 years of age, and Dawn Kimsey Purpura, a member of Acacia Theatre for 29 years, perform in “Heaven Sent,” an award winning play, based on the story of an abandoned girl and the reclusive man who helps her after she unexpectedly appears at his door. Playwright Rick Whelan’s script reveals optimism, hope and character. It is loosely based on George Eliot’s Silas Marner.

All performances will be given in Concordia University Wisconsin’s Todd Wehr Auditorium, 12800 North Lake Shore Drive in Mequon, Wis.

Zempel plays the young, abandoned girl, Eppie, who turns up at Samuel Langley’s door. "After all of the rehearsals, I have a good understanding of young Eppie. She is an Appalachian girl who has been abandoned, so it's a completely different, but interesting role for me,” explained Zempel.

Claire also appreciates the other characters’ relationships to Eppie. “I think Mrs. Winthrop's character is particularly interesting because she keeps trying again and again to be nice. I also think Samuel's character is interesting because he is totally grumpy until he has a chance to care for Eppie,” said Claire.

Purpura, who plays Mrs. Winthrop, describes the transformation of her character. She said, “At first glance, it may appear that my character Mrs. Winthrop does not display the "integrity" that our season is based on. But as the play progresses, we see this woman's true heart and learn that in her own way she possesses the quality of integrity.”

“This is a play I think the whole family can enjoy. It is humorous and heart-breaking and wonderfully mysterious at times. It can truly be a healing and renewing experience. There will be beautiful Appalachian folk songs woven throughout the play,” adds Purpura.

Sometimes the greatest gift comes in the smallest package. When a young, girl in need of care appears at reclusive Samuel Langley’s door late one night, he rediscovers hope, beauty and character. Be captivated by this story of a troubled man finding love through the simple needs of an innocent child. Winner of the Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights, the play is very loosely based on George Eliot’s Silas Marner.

Performances: Friday, March 8, 2013 at 8pm; Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 8pm; Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 3pm; Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 8pm; Friday, March 15, 2013 at 8pm; Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 4pm and 8pm; Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 3pm.

Single Ticket Information
Single tickets will cost $16, or $13 for senior citizens, full-time students and full-time clergy. Group rates are available in advance for groups of 10 or more. More information is available by calling (414) 744-5995 or visiting www.acaciatheatre.com.