Albright Theatre to explore 'Other Desert Cities' Feb. 26-March 12
BATAVIA, Ill. (February 8, 2016) - The Albright Theatre is proud to present "Other Desert Cities" by Jon Robin Baitz. The critically acclaimed drama explores the hidden secrets that both hold a family together and threaten to tear it apart.
It is Christmas Eve 2004 at the Palm Springs home of Polly and Lyman Wyeth, old-school Republicans who counted Ronald and Nancy Reagan among their close friends. They are joined by their daughter, Brooke, a liberal New York writer; son, Trip, who produces a celebrity courtroom reality show; and Polly's sister, Silda, fresh out of rehab.
The holiday begins to unravel when Brooke announces she is about to publish a memoir, dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family's history - a wound her parents don't want reopened.
"There are so many levels to this play and its characters," said director Jennifer Ring of Batavia. "There are no obvious heroes or villains here. The audience is made to shift allegiances throughout the show."
The cast includes Tricia Hewson of West Dundee as Brooke, Beth Oberle of St. Charles as Polly, John Kanthak of Geneva as Lyman, J.P. Quirk of South Elgin as Trip, and Maureen Morley of Batavia as Silda.
"Other Desert Cities" is supported by stage manager Amy Setencich of Batavia, and producers Veronica Krystal of Bloomingdale and Jeff Pripusich of North Aurora.
"This show really delves into the complicated dynamics of family relationships," Ring said. "In some ways, this is a very personal show for me. For many of us there comes a time in our lives when the relationship with our parents or children changes dramatically. In this show, Brooke slowly comes to realize that her parents and this history she remembers are not what she thought. "
"Other Desert Cities" will run weekends Feb. 26 through March 12. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. It is rated PG-13. The Albright Theatre Company is located at the Batavia Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave., third floor. Tickets are $15, $12 for students/seniors. Reservations are highly recommended; call (630) 406-8838. For information, visit www.albrighttheatre.com.