Produced by Barbara Pfitzenmayer

Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Performances August 13th - 30th, 2008 at 8:00 pm

Auditions: March 29th 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
March 30th 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm
at the Stowe Town Hall Theatre

One night a man and woman whose marriage has drifted and who harbor the wife's alcoholic sister from the shocks of a better world receive visits from both their daughter, who is coming home after the wreck of her fourth marriage, and their best friends, a couple who have just had an unnerving experience.

The friends move in and lock the door. Before they leave, everyone faces the same terror; to recognize how they have frittered away love until they are at the delicate balance between sanity and madness.

The themes of loss, fear and escape from reality are explored in this 1967 Pulitzer prize winning play by Edward Albee.

 

Description of Characters

Agnes -- Agnes is a woman in her late 50's, well off, and married to Tobias. She is also the mother of Julia and sister of Claire. Agnes believes herself to be the fulcrum of the family, keeping everyone in balance, or order, by not confronting issues, not taking a stand, and not processing emotions. She tries to keep the peace by not dealing with anything that might upset that balance.

Tobias -- He is the husband of Agnes, in his late 50's or into his 60's. He is a well-to-do retired businessman. Although he is tolerant of people around him, he, like his wife, tends to avoid emotional topics. If Agnes is the fulcrum, then Tobias is the energy behind the fulcrum that works at keeping a balance in his dysfunctional family.

Claire -- Claire is Agnes' younger sister, in her 50's. She claims that she is not an alcoholic but a "willful drinker." Of all the characters in the play, whether it is due to the alcohol or not, Claire has the loosest tongue. She speaks her mind and has the least affection for social politeness.

Julia -- She is the thirty-something daughter of Agnes and Tobias. She has just recently been divorced for the fourth time and has returned home. She is the catalyst of the play. She brings matters to the forefront. Julia has wants, and she demands that they at least be heard if not satisfied.

Edna -- Edna is the wife of Harry. They are Agnes' and Tobias' best friends and of the same age. They live nearby. She is not afraid to voice her opinions and is willing to take on the role of mother to Julia, declaring to her that she no longer has "rights" in her parent's home.

Harry -- Edna's husband and Tobias' best friend. They have known each other a long time. He is a reflection of Tobias, but is more reserved. He and Edna are in great fear of some unknown and unexplainable terror that came over them while sitting at home. They appear at Agnes and Tobias' house and ask to stay with them.