Interplay Presents PLEASE DON'T ASK ABOUT BECKET Next Month

Interplay Jewish Theatre announces two staged readings of Please Don't Ask About Becket, by L.A. playwright Wendy Graf. Performances are on Sunday, July 9, at 2 p.m.; and Monday, July 10, at 7 p.m. The readings are hosted by Dobama Theatre, 2340 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights.

The reading features Austin Gonser, Jeffrey Grover*, Meghan Grover, Tracee Patterson* and Derdriu Ring*, with Cleveland native and NY director Lester Thomas Shane directing.

*Appears courtesy of Actors' Equity Association

The synopsis: Years after her twin brother, Becket's disappearance, Emily Diamond is still haunted by dreams of him. Her journey to self-awareness as an individual, separate from her twin and from the rest of the Diamonds, is at the heart of this evocative memory play. Critics at last year's L.A. premiere called the play "Funny and poignant," "Ravaging" and "Storytelling brilliance."

Faye Sholiton, Founding Artistic Director of Interplay, chose Becket for the power of the writing and the playwright's insights into family dynamics. "When a child chooses a path that goes against everything he's been taught, he breaks his family's heart," she says. "The others are left to wonder what signs they missed, what they might have done to turn things around. Ultimately, they face the challenge of rebuilding their own lives. That's human drama - and the reason we go to the theatre."

Graf's other produced works include: All American Girl, Closely Related Keys; the GLAAD-Award-winning No Word in Guyanese for Me; Dorothy Silver New Play Contest finalist, Leipzig; Behind the Gates; The Book of Esther; and Lessons. The last was directed by the late Gordon Davidson. Graf's newest work is Unemployed Elephants - A Love Story. She will lead talkbacks following both performances.

Admission to the readings is free, although donations are gratefully accepted. Reserve seats at interplayjewishtheatre@gmail.com; or call (216) 393-PLAY (393-7529). Visit www.interplaycleveland.com for updates.