Community Players of Naperville present the World Premiere of Local Playwright's Production Feb. 10-25
Paradise is sometimes not devoid of devils. In the nursing home and rehab center called PARADISE, several residents deal with the "devils" in their lives and attempt to cope with their situation and their friends.
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The focus group, two men and two women, is an example of bad, blocked, and too blunt communication. Thelma is an unhappy older woman who never hesitates to make a caustic remark. Pearline is a stroke victim with limited verbal capacity, although she processes everything. Larry, a sweet older man, cannot grasp meaning, but understands feelings. And Muncie, a victim of PTSD, finds it difficult to step out of his comfort zone.
Over the course of six months friendships develop and everyone becomes a little less bedeviled by their challenges. The play is not about aging, PTSD, or strokes. The play is about friendships and understanding.
Thomas Rieser began his professional writing career with interactive murder mysteries for adults and puzzle-solving one acts for general audiences. The participatory mysteries have been in production since 1991. He has also written various liturgical one acts and monologues, which have been performed at churches in Florida, North Carolina and Illinois.
"Ordinary Time", his first full-length drama, was the 2015 Metropolitan Atlanta Theater Award Winner for Original Work. https://www.dramaticpublishing.com/p3854/Ordinary-Time/product_info.html
According to Rieser, "The playwright, as well as the director, needs to relate to every character in the play and be able to relate on different levels. The more levels a writer creates for a character, the more challenging it is for the actor and director." Mr. Rieser is currently working on another full-length play as well as contest one acts while directing/acting on the community level.
The production is being directed by Ed Green, a veteran of local community theater stages, including The Summer Place, Magical Starlight, Grove Players, and, of course, Community Players. "PARADISE, A nursing home and elder care facility" is Mr. Green's 10th directorial effort. "When Tom brought this play to me to read, I was astounded with the quality of writing for such a relatively new playwright. There was no way I was going to let someone else premiere it before we did." "I'm thrilled with our cast and I can't wait for opening night to get here so everyone can see this amazing play."
Performances are February 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 8pm and February 12 and 19 at 2pm at Community United Methodist Church, 20 N. Center St., Naperville, IL 60540.
Tickets are $15. Tickets can be reserved at http://www.communityplayersnaperville.com/tickets/ or by calling 630-340-4735.