Epic Theatre Company to Return to Cranston with THE GUYS

After a blockbuster summer, Epic Theatre Company is returning to Cranston for its fifth full season-beginning with the moving and powerful drama "The Guys" by Anne Nelson, directed by Wendy Overly.

In the weeks after 9/11, a writer named Joan receives an odd request: Nick, a fire captain, has lost most of his men in the attacks, and he needs help writing their eulogies. Joan agrees to help, and soon, she and Nick are forging a bond as they recreate the lives of Nick's men.

"This year is the 15th anniversary of the attacks that occurred on September 11th, and it made me look around at what we could do to address the tragedy of that day in a way that could be helpful instead of harmful," said Kevin Broccoli, Artistic Director of Epic Theatre, "I've always known about 'The Guys,' but to be honest, I was a little afraid to even read it, because I thought it would be depressing and overwhelming at the same time. It turns out that it's a beautiful, well-written, and surprisingly light play about how art, especially writing, can heal us. I thought it was just perfect. Normally, I would never open a season with a play like this, but after five years, you have to be ready to take a few risks."

This is also acclaimed local actor and director Wendy Overly's first time directing for Epic. "I've been a huge fan of Wendy's for so many years," says Broccoli, "I'm so happy she's finally helming one of our shows. She's being joined by Jason Quinn, who's one of our Epic regulars, and Valerie Remillard Myette, who I've wanted to see on our stage for a long time. This is going to be a very special project."

In addition to being the first show of Epic's fifth season, "The Guys" will also be offering free tickets to firemen, police officers, and EMT's. "We're expanding on our free ticketing program," says Broccoli, "In addition to high school students, we thought it was important that this particular play be seen by the people it represents, and so we're very happy to be able to offer guest tickets to people who do so much for their communities."

"The Guys" by Anne Nelson is being presented as a limited run at Theater 82 in Cranston, located at 82 Rolfe Square. The show will run September 16th - 18th, 23rd - 25th. Evening performances will be at 7pm, matinees are at 3pm.

*Epic Theatre Company seeks to bring provocative contemporary work to Rhode Island as well as new perspectives on classical theater. We strive to continue the tradition of "event" theater, where each production has built-in excitement both for the audiences and the artists involved.

Poster by Elena Semenkova

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