Sherman Theatre to Launch Season with THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES, 3/30

On March 30, The Sherman Playhouse opens its 2012 season with the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning drama, THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES by Frank D. Gilroy.

THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES is a powerful “kitchen-sink” drama centered on three strangers: A mother, a father, and a son. It is 1946. Twenty-one-year-old Timmy Cleary returns from World War II to his boyhood home in the Bronx…and to his estranged parents, John and Nettie. Quickly, old wounds are opened. Husband and wife squabble. Timmy has outgrown his mother’s doting ways. John’s attempts to overcome years of neglect with his son prove to be a stormy path. Finally, Timmy must make a fateful decision that will impact the destinies of all three strangers’ lives.

“I’ve been surprised by so many responses from people who’ve never even heard of this wonderful story,” said director Tom Libonate of Danbury. “It’s true it won the Tony for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and it was Martin Sheen’s breakthrough role on Broadway. But for me, it’s the simplicity of the story that drew me to it: It’s about a family. We all come from one. No matter what shape or form it may take, or how ‘well adjusted’ or ‘dysfunctional’ it may be. And like in life, this play is not a ‘heavy’ drama. There are many laughs and light moments. I’m confident audiences will love discovering or rediscovering this theatrical gem that still resonates today.”

“As the play takes plays in 1946 when lots of GIs were returning from World War II, there are definitely some timely aspects that relate well to today’s America,” said producer John Taylor of Sherman. “It’s something I – and more importantly – the audience, can wrap their heads, their hearts, and their experiences around. The family in the play is of Irish descent, but the themes of family, the ups and downs, the laughs that come with the harsh words, they’re all very grounded…and audiences will come away from it riveted.”

The production features Matt McQuail (Newtown), M.J. Hartell (Brookfield), and Matthew Bagley (Danbury).

Besides Libonate (who co-designed the set and sound) and Taylor, the production crew consists of assistant director/stage manager/co-set designer Laura Gilbert, co-set designer and set builder Bill Gilbert, lighting designer Peter Petrino, costume designer Terry Hawley, co-sound designer David White, and assistant stage manager Sara Pannaccio.

THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES made its debut on Broadway on May 25, 1964 at the Royale Theatre. It won the 1965 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.

In 1968, the play was made into a film in which Jack Albertson, who reprised his role as John from the Broadway play, won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES runs March 30,31 April 6,7 13,14,15 20,21. Curtain time is 8:00 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, with a 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinee on April 15. Tickets for all shows are $20 for general seating.

On Thursday, March 29, all patrons are invited to attend a "Half-Price Preview Night" at 8:00 p.m. where all tickets are only $10. Students may see any performance for only $10 if they pay in cash only at the door and carry a valid student ID. Students may not make reservations in advance for a performance.

Reservations can be made online at www.shermanplayers.org or by calling the box office at (860) 354-3622. The Sherman Playhouse now accepts credit card payments both online and at the door.
The Sherman Playhouse is a local, non-Equity theatre company located on 5 Route 39 North (next to the firehouse) in Sherman, Conn.