By: Amy Modesti

Harbinger Theatre’s upcoming one-man show, A Distant Country Called Youth, by Steve Lawson. The show will be held at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, with a FREE preview on April 23. The show will run from April 24 through May 3. 

 SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Harbinger Theatre is celebrating a series of firsts during their first five years as a
theatre company.
The “first” of several first-time opportunities will start Friday, April 24 with the Capital Region premiere
of Steve Lawson’s one-man show, A Distant Country Called Youth, adapted from the early letters of
American playwright and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Tennessee Williams, at The Mopco Improv
Theatre.
For the first time in his acting career, Harbinger co-founder Patrick White will perform in a one-man
show. For this production, he’ll portray the youthful Thomas Lanier Williams III (Career Name:
Tennessee Williams). Through the first twenty-five years of his life, Williams explores and finds his
artistic voice through a series of correspondence letters sent to family, friends, lovers, and other writers.
White is not the only one who’s debuting in this one-man act. Linda Shirey is making her Harbinger
debut and has taken on the reins to direct White in this timely production.
“I am excited and extraordinarily grateful to be able to produce and star in this passion project of mine. I
chose it to spend two months in Tennessee’s head, and it has not disappointed me.” White said. “A
favorite line: ‘I know this is a one-way street I have chosen and I must follow it through with all the
confidence that necessity gives you.”

A FREE preview of A Distant Country Called Youth will be held on Thursday, April 23 (7:30 p.m.). Opening
Night and the first Talkback Friday session featuring moderator and WTEN Morning Anchor, Giuliana
Bruno, is Friday, April 24, 7:30 p.m.
Following opening day, Saturday, April 25, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Harbinger Theatre will have a
Southern Charm Reception. Before the show starts at 7:30 p.m., spectators will be able to chat and
share stories of their favorite Tennessee Williams performances while enjoying the Southern treats of
deviled eggs, pecan pie, and lemonade.
Additional shows will be held Sunday, April 26 (2:00 p.m.), Friday, May 1 (7:30 p.m.) with the second
Talkback Friday session featuring Capital Region Today Reporter, Ann Parillo, Saturday, May 2 (7:30
p.m.), and its final show, Sunday, May 3 (2:00 p.m.).
Tickets for the show are $15 and can be purchased at the door on the day of the shows, on Harbinger
Theatre’s website, Ludus – Harbinger Theatre, or by making a Venmo payment to @HarbingerTheatre.

*Poster artwork was done by Marc Christopher.

All of the press photos taken by Andrew Elder of Best Frame Forward. Patrick White