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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
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Videos
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The Thanksgiving Play
Ensemble Theater In Honor of Helen Zell at Steppenwolf (4/25 - 6/2) | |
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Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Paramount Theatre (4/24 - 6/16) | |
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Downtown Chicago TV & Movie Sites Tour
Buckingham Fountain (11/19 - 1/10) | |
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Guys and Dolls
Drury Lane Theatre (4/10 - 6/9) | |
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The Addams Family Young@Part
The Center for Performing Arts (1/16 - 4/30) | |
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Ross Johnson: A Funny Thing Happened...Tomorrow!
Rhapsody Theater (5/1 - 6/5) | |
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The S Paradox
Babes With Blades Theatre Company (4/7 - 5/18) | |
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A BARRIE COLE PLAY FESTIVAL: HAMBURGERS AND DISAPPOINTMENT, MAY 2-19
Sweetback Productions (5/2 - 5/19) | |
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Jesus Christ Superstar
Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College (6/7 - 6/23) | |
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