The Velocity of Autumn, a new two-character play from Cleveland-based playwright Eric Coble, opened last night at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater under the direction of Artistic Director Molly Smith and by special arrangement with HOP Theatricals, LLC. Check out a look back at the opening night festivities and arrivals below!

Stage and screen veteran and Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons (Bonnie and Clyde, Roseanne), whose illustrious career spans over 50 years, stars along with two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella (Angels in America, HBO's upcoming film The Normal Heart) in their Arena Stage debuts.

The play introduces us to Alexandra, a 79-year-old woman living a solitary existence in her Brooklyn brownstone with her fleeting memories and enough explosives to take down most of the block. At an impasse with her family over how she should spend her autumn years, her long-absent son enters as an unlikely mediator. The Velocity of Autumn runs September 6-October 20, 2013 in the Kreeger Theater.

Tickets for The Velocity of Autumn are $40-$90, subject to change and based on availability, plus applicable fees. For information on savings programs such as student discounts, Southwest Nights, Pay-Your-Age tickets, HOTTIX and Hero's Discounts, visit arenastage.org/shows-tickets/single-tickets/savings-programs/. Tickets may be purchased online at arenastage.org, by phone at 202-488-3300 or at the Sales Office at 1101 Sixth St., SW, D.C.

Photos by Cameron Whitman Photography

Stephen Spinella and Estelle Parsons

Artistic Director Molly Smith, Executive Producer Edgar Dobie and Board Chair Beth Newburger Schwartz

Playwright Eric Coble and Artistic Director Molly Smith

Lighting designer Rui Rita with cast members Estelle Parsons and Stephen Spinella

Stephen Spinella and Estelle Parsons, Artistic Director Molly Smith and playwright Eric Coble

Playwright Eric Coble, Wife, Daughter

Artistic Director Molly Smith and Lucie Tiberghien

Larry Kaye of HOP Theatricals, LLC and playwright Eric Coble

Programming David Snider and Artistic Associate/Casting Director Daniel Pruksarnukul

Larry Kaye of HOP Theatricals, LLC, playwright Eric Coble, Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie

Molly Smith with cast members Stephen Spinella and Estelle Parsons

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