Fredonia The 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present a one-man play about the life of artist Vincent van Gogh on Friday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m. The play will be performed live on stage at the Opera House by Starry Night Productions and stars acclaimed actor James Briggs.

Today, Vincent van Gogh is one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved painters. But that wasn’t always the case. In van Gogh’s own lifetime, in fact, quite the opposite was true.

In van Gogh’s lifetime, he sold only one painting, for 400 francs. Critics labeled his work “madness” in which “blood and fire appear to have usurped the place of color.” But his story is so much more than that of the misunderstood genius who famously cut off his own ear. His life was one of great passions, and even greater turmoil, ultimately ending in suicide one summer day in 1890.

The passion, the love and the tormented beauty of the life of Vincent van Gogh is dramatized in this intimate one-man play, which author Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek’s Mr. Spock) adapted from hundreds of letters between Vincent and his closest ally, his brother, Theo.

This production, which BroadwayWorld.com described as “enlightening and enjoyable” and said “is not to be missed,” stars James Briggs. Briggs movingly reveals van Gogh as few knew him. Most of the story is told by Theo, but at times, Briggs becomes Vincent and embodies the loving, passionate, combative, fierce, stubborn, outrageous, exasperating, moody, amazing, and brilliant man so cherished by his brother. This play is not simply a biographical work, but one filled with drama, conflict, humor and beauty.

In addition, the production includes projections of more than 100 stunning high-resolutions images of Vincent’s work including rare sketches and work not often seen.

Briggs is the actor and founder of Starry Night Theater Company. He has appeared in this role in more than 100 performances up and down the East Coast. He also has acted in regional theaters throughout the country. He is a graduate of Middlebury College and The Asolo Conservatory.

While appropriate for all audiences, this production is best suited for adults and children ages 10 and older.

“Vincent” is part of the DFT Communications Spotlight Series, which is generously sponsored by DFT Communications. The event also is supported with public funds from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.

Tickets for the concert are $17 ($15 for Opera House members) and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at (716) 679-1891, Tuesday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at www.fredopera.org.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of Opera House events is available at www.fredopera.org.