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The time is the mid '70s, the place a city in upstate New York. John, a playwright, returns to his family’s house, bringing with him a new play which he has written about them. His purpose is to obtain their permission to proceed with production, but his wealthy, very proper parents are cautious from the outset. For them the theatre is personified by the gracious, comforting era of the Lunts and Ina Claire, and they are disturbed by the bluntness of modern plays. And there is also John’s sister, Nina, to contend with, although her reservations have to do with the fact that John has given her character such a minor role. Their confrontation takes place during the ritual of the cocktail hour, and as the martinis flow so do the recriminations and revelations, both funny and poignant. In the end it is evident that what John has written is closer to the truth than his family has heretofore been willing to admit, and that beneath their WASP reserve his parents and siblings are as beset with uncertainties and frustrations as their presumed “inferiors.” But while they seem shackled by the past, and tantalized by an alien future, the ties which bind them do prevail—surmounting disputes and disappointments and, with unfailing warmth and humor, converting pained resignation into cautious but hopeful anticipation.
- A.R. Gurney
Authors
Guthrie Theater Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Guthrie Theater is at Dowling Studio, 818 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN.
The Guthrie Theater opened on May 7, 1963, with a production of Hamlet directed by Sir Tyrone Guthrie, the theater’s founder. The idea for a different kind of theater sparked in 1959 during a series of conversations among Guthrie, an acclaimed theater director, and his two colleagues, Oliver Rea and Peter Zeisler, who were all disenchanted with Broadway. They envisioned a resident theater that would draw world-class artists to perform the classics with the highest professional standards. What began as a summer season of four productions supported by a minimal staff is now a complex organization that serves nearly 350,000 patrons and the Twin Cities community year-round.
Videos
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State Theatre (7/19 - 7/19) | |
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Doubt: A Parable
Commonweal Theatre Company (9/14 - 11/10) | |
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Rumors - Preview
Commonweal Theatre Company (7/13 - 7/19) | |
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Bill Maher: The WTF? Tour
Orpheum Theatre (7/13 - 7/13) | |
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MJ
Orpheum Theatre (5/14 - 5/26) | |
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Ugly Lies the Bone
Commonweal Theatre Company (4/13 - 7/6) | |
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Buddy Holly: Oh Boy!
History Theatre (6/1 - 6/1) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
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