THEATRE
Out of South Africa

Gin Hammond portrays 24 different characters in “The Syringa Tree” at Studio Arena Theatre.

An abiding love between two families — one white, one black — exists in “The Syringa Tree,” presented by Studio Arena Theatre, with previews beginning Friday, Jan. 5, and running through Sunday, Jan. 28, at 710 Main St., Buffalo.

The children of the two families are born into a shared South African household in the early 1960s. Seen first through the eyes of 6-year-old Elizabeth Grace as she tries with humor and sometimes fear, to make sense of the chaos, magic and darkness of Africa, the audience follows the characters’ shared destinies in a story spanning four generations, from early apartheid to present day free South Africa.

“The Syringa Tree,” by Pamela Gien features Gin Hammond playing 24 different characters. Hammond won the Helen Hayes award as best actress in 2003.

Gien won the Obie Award for Best Play 2001 in New York, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance, the Outer Circle Critics Award for Outstanding Solo Performance, a Drama League Honor, and a nomination for the John Gassner Playwriting Award.

Preview performances are at 8 p.m. Jan. 5, 6 and 11; 7 p.m. Jan. 7 and 9; and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10. Opening night is at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12. Regular performances are at 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays.

Tickets for preview performances range from $26-$40, and $33-$54 for regular shows, and are available at the box office by calling 856-5650 or 800-77-STAGE or online at www. studioarena. org.