ALBANY – Harbinger Theater will continue our third season with its 13th Capital Region premiere, presenting “Maggie May” by Frances Poet. This production will not only be a local premiere, but will also mark the play’s debut in the United States! Directed by Chris Foster, this play will be a co-production with Albany Civic Theater.
Patrick White, co-founder of Harbinger Theatre, said, “I found ‘Maggie May’ in a Waterstones on my first trip to London which my mother’s bequest made possible. I was struck by how remarkably identifiable and ultimately affirming and comforting the portrayal of this woman’s dementia and her family’s reaction to it was, especially on this trip because my mother who had the same affliction was much on my mind.”
“Maggie May” is a compelling drama that delves into the life of Maggie, a woman battling the challenges of dementia. The play explores her relationship with her Yorkshire family, particularly with her son and husband, as they navigate the complexities of caregiving, memory loss, and the emotional toll of the disease. Through a mix of humor, tenderness, and poignancy, the play sheds light on the impact of dementia on personal identity and family dynamics, offering a deep, humanizing look at a condition that touches many lives.
“One of the most troubling aspects of dementia: what happens to a person’s identity? In the play ‘Maggie May’ by Frances Poet, a character in the play in the earlier stages of dementia remains the same person and yet is clearly no longer who they once were. And then, where is that person to be found? As the disease progresses, only fleeting glimpses of the once capable person can be seen; for the rest of the time, everyone is stuck with an uninvited guest. The play confidently explores an emotional subject through gentle comedy rather than tear-jerking drama, opting to show us what can be achieved when we’re brave enough to talk openly about the unspeakable,” said Foster.
Our cast will feature Melissa Putterman Hoffmann as “Maggie”, Gary Maggio as “Gordon”, Robin Leary as “Jo”, Ben Amey as “Michael”, and Ashley Schuliger as “Claire”.
A FREE preview will be held on Thursday September 5 at 7:30 p.m. Performances will be held on September 6, 7, 13 14, 20, + 21 at 7:30 p.m. and September 8, 15, 22 at 3 p.m. A talkback with the director and cast to follow the Sunday, September 15th performance. Don’t miss the “I Love the 70s” Night on Septemeber 7th! There will be prizes, funky music, canapés and trivia!
Albany Civic Theatre is located at 235 Second Ave in Albany. Tickets are $18 for general/$10 for students and can be purchased on the Albany Civic Theatre’s website here.
$50 Flex Subscriptions for 4 tickets are available by emailing harbingertheatrealbany@gmail.com or making a Venmo payment to @HarbingerTheatre.
The Flex Subscription can be used interchangeably, as you have the choice to use them all for a party to experience a single show or indulge in four plays you’ve never witnessed before!
Harbinger is very involved with building the Capital Region Festival of Theatre which is holding a Cast Party benefit at Cohoes Music Hall 10/27. More info & tickets at