Mark your calendars for our fourth annual New Works Now, a showcase for the development of new plays. Inaugurated in 2014, New Works Now is blossoming with an Off-Broadway run of Orwell in America this past October and last year’s Mad Love in production at the New Jersey Repertory Company this fall. Admission is free, but seats are reserved, so contact the box office to book. Portugal by Elizabeth Heffron Friday January 6, 7:30 PM Described by the playwright as “a work of fiction triggered by a series of actual events,” Portugal explores the fallout (both literal and metaphorical) of mankind’s nuclear adventures through the lens of a young couple living near the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in rural Washington State. With sharp wit and finely sculpted characters, Heffron tells a powerful tale of desperation, destruction, and redemption. She Exits, Laughing by Marisa Smith Saturday, January 7, 7:30 PM Alma is getting older. She’s fine. Or so she says. Her daughter has some doubts, and more than a few neuroses of her own. Northern Stage favorite Marisa Smith is back with a hilarious and deeply perceptive story of aging gracefully (or sometimes not so gracefully) and how we try to care for one another in the face of the inevitable. Smith brings to bear her signature brand of humor and acuteness of language to leave us laughing and crying all at once. Piece Of by Tasha Gordon-Solomon Sunday, January 8, 2:00 PM Avery is a talented young girl who enjoys art, especially when it involves glue and Barbie shoes. Her parents see the promise of greatness in her, and try to encourage her to embrace her destiny. An inventive, imaginative look at being a child in the age of memes, internet fame, and uber-liberal helicopter parents. Readings are FREE. Seats are reserved, so book today! Box Office: 802-296-7000 [email protected]