When a weekend at their summer home takes an unexpected turn, a group of famous and longing-to-be famous family members and friends are forced to improvise, inciting simmering jealousies, romantic outbursts, and passionate soul-searching.
Ohio Wesleyan University’s Department of Theatre & Dance will present three performances of “The Country House” by Pulitzer-Prize-winning playwright Donald Marguiles at 8 PM October 4, 8 PM October 5, and 2 PM October 6. The play, described by Entertainment Weekly as “a valentine for the stage,” is intended for mature audiences.
Theatre professor Elane Denny, director of the production, said the play “brings to life the complex secrets, past traumas, love, anxiety, and nostalgia that challenge every family as we embrace our own unique imperfections. The play is a compelling story told with empathy, insight, and raw honesty about hopes and dreams – both fulfilled and unfulfilled.
“Ultimately,” Denny said, “it demonstrates the unique bond, that ephemeral connection, which sustains families regardless of all that happens in the rest of the world around them.”
More than 40 Ohio Wesleyan students are participating in the production, including freshman Bella Hintzman of Fremont, California; senior Emma Antal of Akron, Ohio; sophomore Aaron Eicher of West Salem, Ohio; senior Adam Lieser of Columbus, Ohio; junior Joe Antal of Akron, Ohio; and senior Alanna Williams of Yorktown Heights, New York.
Scenic design and technical direction is by Ohio Wesleyan faculty member Chad Knutson; lighting design is by senior Josh Martin of Apex, North Carolina; and costume design is by guest designer Donna Williamson. Ohio Wesleyan junior Catherine Giacalone of Franklin, Massachusetts, is serving as stage manager.
“The Country House” will be performed on the Main Stage of OWU’s Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware. Tickets are $10 for general admission; $5 for senior citizens and non-Ohio Wesleyan students; and free for Ohio Wesleyan students with a valid OWU ID. Faculty and staff will be admitted free Oct. 5. To reserve tickets, call the box office at (740) 368-3855. Reservations are requested as seating is limited.
For more information about the play, OWU’s 2019-2020 performance schedule, or studying theatre or dance at Ohio Wesleyan, visit www.owu.edu/TheatreAndDance.
Photo: Rehearsals are underway for Ohio Wesleyan’s performance of ‘The Country House.’ The cast includes Joe Antal (seated left) playing Walter Keegan, Bella Hintzman playing Susie Keegan, Alanna Williams (standing left) playing Nell McNally, Adam Lieser playing Michael Astor, Emma Antal playing Anna Patterson, and Aaron Eicher playing Elliot Cooper. (Photo by Carl DeScott ’21)
