UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
Do Not Go Gentle by Suzan Zeder
Performance runs June 7-15 - Fridays and Saturdays @ 7:00 pm.
Tickets available online at https://circleom.booktix.com/
or get at the door.
Do Not Go Gentle Info
Written by Suzan Zeder, "Do Not Go Gentle" takes a look at relationships through the eyes of three generations. Though grandma Lillian's character is deceased, she is present on stage - visible to the audience but not to the rest of the cast. And as her family gathers in her home to plan her estate sale, they not only learn things about Lillian they never knew, but get better acquainted with themselves and each other as well.
The story takes place in January 1991, at the onset of Operation Desert Storm. Lillian's son, Windsor (Patrick Brusnahan) , who has been estranged from his mother since choosing a military career against her wishes, comes from overseas to settle Lillian's affairs. He brings with him his daughter, Kelly (Desia Griffin), who shared a special bond with her grandmother.
They are joined by Windsor's cousin Joanna (Erin Pieschke) and the estate sale organizer (Christa Reason). Together with Lillian (Sue Mouttet) , they tell the story of her life, as they know it.
In the process, they unravel the mystery behind the wild murals covering Lillian's walls, floors and windows - with a little help from a mysterious young neighbor boy called Nobody (Jack Reason).
Directed by Kat Cover, "Do Not Go Gentle" has its serious side, but it also offers plenty of smiles as the cast comes to understand and appreciate each other.
"When people hear it is a play about a dead woman, they may assume it will be depressing, but it is actually a very uplifting story," Artistic Director Fran Sillau said. "It is a beautiful play which has as many, or more, elements of comedy as it does drama." "It deals with situations we all have faced, or will face, at some point in our lives,"
It also makes the point that age doesn't really matter when it comes to friendship and its main message is the importance of staying in touch with the people we love. This show is about making sure you talk to your loved ones and really get to know them, instead of assuming things.
The play's military issues make it especially pertinent today. In addition to Windsor's military perspective, as a colonel in the Air Force, the audience can see things from Lillian's anti-war point of view. And each member of the cast - who range in age from 13 to senior citizen and include two Vietnam veterans - brings his or her own personal experiences to the expression of such issues.
Theater provides a shared experience for the audience and provides us the opportunity to address issues that may be difficult to discuss in other situations. Watching a play and then taking the time to discuss the issues it presents allows us to examine both the positive and negative aspects of our society.
Fran Sillau says, Zeder's play was chosen for this year's season’s closing production because it appeals to both kids and adults. It gives both of their viewpoints and shows that both can be right, and both need to listen to each other, . It is also has a nice, heartwarming story about love.
One of the nation's leading playwrights for family audiences, Zeder has also written "Step on a Crack," "Wiley and the Hairy Man," "In a Room Somewhere" and "The Death and Life of Sherlock Holmes."
The story takes place in January 1991, at the onset of Operation Desert Storm. Lillian's son, Windsor (Patrick Brusnahan) , who has been estranged from his mother since choosing a military career against her wishes, comes from overseas to settle Lillian's affairs. He brings with him his daughter, Kelly (Desia Griffin), who shared a special bond with her grandmother.
They are joined by Windsor's cousin Joanna (Erin Pieschke) and the estate sale organizer (Christa Reason). Together with Lillian (Sue Mouttet) , they tell the story of her life, as they know it.
In the process, they unravel the mystery behind the wild murals covering Lillian's walls, floors and windows - with a little help from a mysterious young neighbor boy called Nobody (Jack Reason).
Directed by Kat Cover, "Do Not Go Gentle" has its serious side, but it also offers plenty of smiles as the cast comes to understand and appreciate each other.
"When people hear it is a play about a dead woman, they may assume it will be depressing, but it is actually a very uplifting story," Artistic Director Fran Sillau said. "It is a beautiful play which has as many, or more, elements of comedy as it does drama." "It deals with situations we all have faced, or will face, at some point in our lives,"
It also makes the point that age doesn't really matter when it comes to friendship and its main message is the importance of staying in touch with the people we love. This show is about making sure you talk to your loved ones and really get to know them, instead of assuming things.
The play's military issues make it especially pertinent today. In addition to Windsor's military perspective, as a colonel in the Air Force, the audience can see things from Lillian's anti-war point of view. And each member of the cast - who range in age from 13 to senior citizen and include two Vietnam veterans - brings his or her own personal experiences to the expression of such issues.
Theater provides a shared experience for the audience and provides us the opportunity to address issues that may be difficult to discuss in other situations. Watching a play and then taking the time to discuss the issues it presents allows us to examine both the positive and negative aspects of our society.
Fran Sillau says, Zeder's play was chosen for this year's season’s closing production because it appeals to both kids and adults. It gives both of their viewpoints and shows that both can be right, and both need to listen to each other, . It is also has a nice, heartwarming story about love.
One of the nation's leading playwrights for family audiences, Zeder has also written "Step on a Crack," "Wiley and the Hairy Man," "In a Room Somewhere" and "The Death and Life of Sherlock Holmes."