Massachusetts Gov. Patrick Visits THE BEST OF ENEMIES at Barrington Stage

Message to Congress and Presidential hopefuls - go see Mark St. German's "The Best of Enemies" before you start the political campaign rhetoric.

Inspired by the best-selling book by Osha Gray Davidson, The Best of Enemies is the true story about the relationship between C.P. Ellis(a Grand Cyclops of the KKK) and Ann Atwater (an African-American civil rights activist) during the desegregation of the Durham, NC schools in 1971. The Best of Enemies exposes the poison of prejudice in the hearts of Atwater and Ellis who, by facing each other, are forced to face the worst, and the best , in themselves.

The play had it's world premier at Barrington Stage this summer and broke all box office records in the theatre's 17 year history. Many people in the Berkshire community were not able to see this new play because of it's limited summer run, so Artistic Director Julianne Boyd offered it for a 2nd opening on Oct 5th.

The cast of the initial run starred John Bedford Lloyd as C.P. Ellis, Aisha Hinds as Ann Atwater,Clifton Duncan as Bill Roddick and Susan Wands as Mary Ellis and was directed by Julianne Boyd. In this production Don Guilty joined the company in the role of Bill Roddick.

"The Best of Enemies" will have played a total of 36 performances and to over 10,000 patrons during its summer and fall runs at BSC. This fall alone will have over 2,500 high school students from Berkshire County attend student matinees.

Presented & Sponsored by Sydelle & Lee Blatt, The Best of Enemies is designed by David M. Barber (sets), Scott Pinkney (lights), Kristina Lucka (Costumes), and Brad Barrage (sound). Michael Andrew Rodgers is production stage manager.

The Best of Enemies runs through October 16 at Barrington Stage Company

Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff