From a media release:
On November 14, 15 and 16, Acts of Random Theatre presents the acclaimed, but rarely performed play Night of January 16th by Ayn Rand at Calhoun’s GEM Theatre. Show times are 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 pm on Sunday. Seating is reserved so advance reservations are suggested. Tickets are $12.00, $10.00 for GEM Members and $8.00 for students and may be purchased at online, www.calhoungem.org, at the Box Office or by phone, 706.625.3132. Tickets may also be purchased at the door as available.
Who was Bjorn Faulkner? To the world, he was a startlingly successful international tycoon and head of a vast empire. To his secretary – and mistress – he was a god-like hero to be served by her mind, body and soul. To his aristocratic wife, he was a singular force of nature to be tamed. To his millionaire father-in-law, he was a giant whose single error could be used to destroy him. What kind of man was Bjorn Faulkner? ONLY YOU CAN DECIDE! During each performance of Night of January 16th, members of the audience will be selected to serve as the jury in this stirring and thought provoking drama.
Night of January 16th is the only play written by the acclaimed author and philosopher, Rand. It was written a decade before her best selling novel, The Fountainhead, and almost 25 years before her best known work, Atlas Shrugged. On one level, Night of January 16th is the destruction of a brilliant and ruthless man. On a deeper level, it is a dramatic objectification of Ayn Rand’s vision of human strength.
Of special note – Night of January 16th was originally performed in Rome, GA in 1982 at the historic Floyd County Courthouse. Virginia M. McChesney directed the production and Sherry M. Childs played the role of Karen Andre. Ms. McChesney is directing this production and Childs will again be portraying Karen Andre. In an odd coincidence, Ted King portrayed “Guts” Regan in his high school senior play fifty years ago at Calhoun High School. He is playing the role for a second time in this production. And for one more coincidence, Calhoun High School teacher Michael Hillman is portraying Defense Attorney Stevens. His father portrayed the role of the judge in a Utica, New York production of the play during the 1950’s.