‘Belle of Amherst’ at Phipps

“The Belle of Amherst,” starring Linda Kelsey, will have its final performances Jan. 16 to 18 at the Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust Street in Hudson, Wis.

This one-woman play by William Luce celebrates the life of the acclaimed American poet Emily Dickinson.

“Belle” explores Dickinson’s private life, her hopes and dreams, and her poetic genius. Dickinson’s poetry juxtaposes the abstract with the concrete, the trivial with the sublime, reverence with satire and the comic with the cosmic. She is regarded as one of the most innovative poets of 19th century American literature.

Kelsey is probably best known for her portrayal of reporter Billie Newman in the CBS series “Lou Grant.” During her five years on the critically-acclaimed series, she received five Emmy and two Golden Globe nominations.

Her career includes the television series “Day by Day,” guest starring roles on more than 30 TV series, six made-for-television movies, three miniseries and a feature film.

Her professional career began at the Guthrie Theater, where she was a company member for two seasons. She also performed at the Long Wharf Theater, the Ahmanson Theater, the Kennedy Center, the Back Alley Theater and Park Square Theatre.

“Belle” is directed by Jon Cranney. As artistic director of the Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis from 1984 until 1997, Cranney mounted more than 30 productions, including international exchanges in Russia and China. He also served as the associate artistic director of the Arizona Theatre Company and has directed at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Performances are being given through Jan. 18 on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for all students with a current I.D., with a $2 discount for seniors on the Sunday matinee.

Reservations may be made by calling The Phipps ticket office at (715) 386-8409 or online at www.ThePhipps.org.

Tags: entertainment, belle, amherts, linda, kelsey, phipps, hudson