Nickel and Dimed:
On (Not) Getting by in America

By Joan Holden, based on the book by Barbara Ehrenreich

Houston Premiere

How can anyone survive on $5.15 an hour? Asking herself that question, journalist Barbara Ehrenreich abandoned her comfortable middle-class life and took low-wage jobs around the country. While waiting tables, cleaning houses and stocking shelves she discovered that behind countless aprons and uniforms are the borderline homeless, struggling—and often failing—to feed, clothe and house their families.

The story of her experience—part undercover investigation, part engaging memoir—is changing the way America perceives its working poor. Ehrenreich's wry humor, a talented cast of Houson acting veterans, and the onstage musician's live "soundtrack" combine to create an entertaining, thought-provoking theatrical event.

Directed by Brad Dalton

Starring Connie Cooper as Barbara
Featuring Luisa Amaral-Smith, Alice M. Gatling, Susan O. Koozin, Mark Roberts and Lisa Thomas

May 24 - June 11, 2006

The 2006 Surround

Each year Stages chooses a play to surround with events that add depth to audience's experience and create a larger context for a particular play or theatre artists' work. This year's Surround focuses on Nickel & Dimed and features the following events.

All Surround events are free and open to the public.

Friday, May 19 - the connection - 8:00p on HoustonPBS/Channel 8
The 2006 Surround begins with a special episode of HoustonPBS's award-winning public affairs program, the connection. The broadcast will address both the purpose of the minimum wage and the gap between the rich and the poor, and address questions including: Was the minimum wage meant to be a living wage? Should it be increased? What economic impact would that have?

Monday, June 5 - Waging a Living - 7:00p at Stages
Stages will screen Waging a Living, an award-winning documentary film that chronicles the day-to-day battles of four low-wage earners struggling to make work pay their bills. Shot over a three-year period in the northeast and California, this film captures the dreams, frustrations and accomplishments of a diverse group of people who strain to live from paycheck to paycheck. Waging a Living wil be shown Monday, June 5, at 7:00 PM at Stages.

Ongoing at Stages - Houston at $5.15
Stages presents Houston at $5.15, an original documentary of Houston residents voicing their perspectives about living on minimum wage. Houston at $5.15 will be shown in the theater lobby prior to performances of Nickel and Dimed, and is accompanied by a still photography exhibit.