The Killing of Sister George by Frank Marcus

Photos by Peter Wochniak

The Killing of Sister George is a groundbreaking comedy by Frank Marcus which was named “Best Play of the 1965-66 Season” by The Theatre Critics Variety Poll and voted “Best Play” by the London Theatre Critics and the London Evening Standard.

The 1966 Broadway Production, which featured the original London cast, earned its star, Beryl Reid, a Tony Award for Best Actress in a play.

The title may be familiar as the play was made into a movie in 1968 that caused quite a stir. Originally, it received a rare X rating and has become something of a cult classic for its steamy lesbian love scene featuring a young Susannah York.

Reviews

By Judith Newmark – St. Louis Post Dispatch, July 12, 2015
“The Killing of Sister George turns out to speak to modern problems…..playwright Marcus sounds like a prophet.”

By Paul Friswold – RFT, July 15, 2015
“Smart Production of The Killing of Sister George focuses on Human Nature”

By Mark Bretz – Ladue News, July 15, 2015
“The Killing of Sister George is a Theatrical Delight by Any Definition”

By Chris Gibson – The Broadway World, July 16, 2015
“Max & Louie Productions have, once again, given us a forgotten gem to behold with their scintillating presentation…and I cannot recommend it highly enough.”

By Lynn Venhaus – Belleville News Democrat, July 13, 2015
“The Killing of Sister George Still Packs a Punch!”

By Richard Green – Talkin Broadway, July 15, 2015
“This dark melodrama also comes with a lot of rueful laughs,thanks to a great director and cast.”

By Ann Lemons Pollack – St. Louis Eat and Drink, July 11, 2015
“‘The Killing Of Sister George’ is one of those truly wicked comedies,funny and yet deeply uncomfortable to watch.”

By Tina Farmer – KDHX, July 15, 2015
“The Killing of Sister George entertains with a twisted tale of love and death”

By Snoop MK – Snoop’s Theatre Thoughts, July 16, 2015
“Sister George is a sharp-still-relevant-character-study”

By Andrea Torrence – St. Louis Theatre Snob, July 23, 2015
“Grab a ticket and check it out!”

Articles

Meet the Star of The Killing of Sister George
Vital Voice – Tuesday, July 07 2015
“‘It’s a psychological beast,’ said Lavonne Byers, the St. Louis actress who will play the title role in Max & Louie’s production of The Killing of Sister George.”

Leading lady Lavonne Byers takes on another challenge
By Judith Newmark – St. Louis Post Dispatch, Friday, July 10, 2015
“In St. Louis, only a handful of actors can draw theatergoers on the strength of their names — and nearly all of them are men.”

Dark Comedy “The Killing of Sister George” Coming to Wool Studio Theatre
By Erica Sloan – The Scoop, Wednesday, July 8, 2015
“When it comes to radio show ratings, an audience’s perception of a star’s private life translates to reality, for better or worse. For Sister George, the star of a popular British soap opera Applehurst, her real life as an alcoholic, cigar-smoking, abusive lesbian named June Buckridge may be just too scandalous to keep the show ratings up.”

Max and Louie Productions opens 5th season with ‘The Killing of Sister George’
By Evita Caldwell – St. Louis Public Radio, Friday, July 10, 2015
“Max and Louie Productions will kick off its 5th season with the dark comedy “The Killing of Sister George.” Written by Frank Marcus, the play was named Best Play of the 1965-66 Season by The Theatre Critics Variety Poll.”

Radio

KWMU Cityscape with Steve Potter
Guests:
Stellie Siteman – Artistic Director
Lavonne Byers – June Buckridge/Sister George
Erin Kelley – Mrs. Mercy Croft

National Reviews

“A Fine, Fine Play – Audacious and Exhilarating, Straightforward and Strong, Comic and Cutting” – The World Journal Tribune

“Bitchy Fun.” – The New York Times

“Dynamic. Timeless.” – Rex Reed NY Observer

“Inspired. Intriguing. A Dramatic Minefield.” – Women Around Town

“Hilarious. An Interesting and Entertaining Piece of Work.” – Wolfe Entertainment Guide