Cabaret Theatre production explores life of Emily Dickinson

The life of poet Emily Dickinson will be portrayed in the Cabaret Theatre production of “The Belle of Amherst,” with opening night at 7:30 p.m. May 1 in Olde Main Theater, 350 Main St., Latrobe.

The 1976 play by William Luce will run for eight performances through May 11, with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. May 5. All other curtain times are 7:30 p.m.

Latrobe resident Rachel Nicely, a first grade teacher in the Derry Area School District, plays the part of Dickinson in the one-woman show.

“(She) is extraordinary in the role,” says artistic director John Carosella. “This show is a rare peek into the private life of a great American poet. It reveals her loves, her triumphs, her disappointments, her failures. In effect, it is an intimate look at a human being not unlike ourselves.

“As theater, it’s a rare event. Few women dare to tackle this difficult, one-woman piece,” Carosella says.

Upcoming Cabaret Theatre productions include:

• George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” June 5-15

• Harry Chapin’s “Cotton Patch Gospel,” July 10-27

• Mitch Albom’s “Tuesdays With Morrie,” Aug. 21-31.

Regular ticket price is $15. Admission on opening nights (May 1, June 5, July 10 and Aug. 21) is “pay what you wish.”

Each second night (May 2, June 6, July 11, Aug. 22) is half-price, or $7.50.

Details: 724-527-7775, thecabarettheatre.com or Facebook