“Arms and the Man,” a George Bernard Shaw play will debut at the Freeport Theatre Festival starting August 15th, 16th and 17th and on the next two weekends, August 22nd-24th and 29th through 31st. Playtime is 8:00 p.m. and tickets are $12.00 and $10.00.

Directed by Marushka Steele, the play takes place during the 1855 Serbo-Bulgarian. Its heroine, Raina Petkoff, is a young Bulgarian woman engaged to Sergius Saranoff, one of the heroes of that war, whom she idealizes. One night, a Swiss voluntary soldier in the Serbian army, Bluntschli, bursts through her bedroom window and begs her to hide him, so that he is not killed. Raina complies, though she thinks the man a coward, especially when he tells her that he does not carry pistol cartridges, but chocolates. He lights a match and Shaw’s delightful romantic comedy about fanciful notions of love and valor begins to tease and please with the help of a most eccentric family and household, an outrageous fiancé and, of course, Raina’s soon to be “chocolate cream soldier.”

A pre-theater dinner will be held at the River Forest Country Club. Seating is at 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. and reservations are required. Telephone 724-295-2298 for the pre-theater dinner and 724-295-1934 for theater and ticket information. You may also visit the theatre’s web site at: www.freeporttheatrefestival.org

Directions:

Located just off Rte. 356 in Westmoreland County, the Theatre is housed in a rustic barn on the Steele Homestead at 2498 White Cloud Road. From Pittsburgh and Points South: Rte. 28 North to Exit 17, Turn Left onto Rte. 356 and head toward Freeport. Follow the signs toward Leechburg as you cross the Freeport Bridge. Once across the bridge, White Cloud Road is approximately 2 miles, on your right. Watch for the signs.

From Butler and Points North: Rte. 8 South to the Butler Post Office (Intersection Rte. 356). Turn Left onto Rte. 356. Travel approximately 25 miles, following the signs for Freeport/Leechburg. Once across the bridge, White Cloud Road is approximately 2 miles on your right. Watch for the signs.

Coming from Greensburg Area: PA-66 / Turnpike North (portions toll) continuing on PA-66. PA-66 will become Rte. 356. Follow Rte. 356 crossing through the PA-56 intersection. Continue on Rte. 356 approximately 3 miles. White Cloud Road will be on your right. Watch for the signs.