"... in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”
Benjamin Franklin
Since we started the season with 1776, Benjamin Franklin has been on my mind a lot, so his famous quote about death and taxes came to mind immediately when I sat down to write this note. As much as the world has changed since he wrote those words in 1789, I doubt there are any things more certain.
One thing that is constant for me in my role as artistic director (one of my many hats) is the joy (and difficulty) in putting together a season of 10 or more shows. Sometimes, sitting back to watch a classic old Broadway musical is as comforting as a chat with an old friend. But you, our loyal audiences want a balanced diet...old, new, original, drama, comedy, etc., etc. And thus we have today's show: The Viewing Room.
Two years ago, Mark Smith, the author of this show, reached out about his new show. I accepted his offer to read a perusal copy and it intrigued me. I've always loved dark comedies. . . these quirky, off-beat shows that show a slice of life. When I started thinking about this current season, I went back to Smith and said yes, it was the perfect fit for the Halloween season, in between old favorites like 1776 and Crossing Delancey and Cinderella.
For me, this play hammered home the idea that our time here is limited. Don't let petty issues keep you away from family and friends. In The Viewing Room, Chester Dumbroski gets his chance to make amends and say things to loved ones that he hadn't done before his death. Dysfunctional or not, family is family, and
I recently lost a dear old theatre friend to an horrific car accident. I'm so glad she and I had spoken the week before. How could we know that our plans of a reunion next summer would be cut short? But I digress.
Thank you for being here. I hope you enjoy this new play and I look forward to seeing you here next month for Cinderella.
October 28 – November 14, 2021
Dressing Room Theatre
Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights at 8:00pm
Sunday afternoons at 2:00pm
Written by
MARK SMITH
Saying good-bye to the dearly departed has never been so funny in this brand new comedy set in the viewing room of a Holyoke, MA funeral home. When an estranged son returns home after years away, you’ll be surprised by who gets the last word. The show centers around a stern patriarch who has recently passed away before he’s had a chance to make amends with his very dysfunctional family. The play – while loaded with laughs - is timeless due to its themes of reconciliation and family.
Stacy Lupo - Production Stage Manager
James LaJoie - Set Design
Jamie LaJoie - Lighting Design
Helen Adams - Costume Design