ORDINARY PEOPLE at Town Players of New Canaan

BASIC DESCRIPTION: This play is based on the Oscar Winning Best Picture movie starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton by first-time Director, Robert Redford. It play explores the essence of a young man, his friends and family, their relationships and ultimately survival. PLOT: Teenager Conrad Jarrett is wracked with guilt over the death of his older brother Buck from a boating accident. What's left of Conrad's family – his successful, well-intentioned father and his stylish, organized mother – is in jeopardy, as is Conrad himself. They are "ordinary people" coping with the omnipresent human emotions of grief, loss, guilt, anger, anxiety and depression. This powerful play goes to the root of the Jarretts’ relationships, exploring how the family grows apart in its struggle to heal yet ultimately moves forward with hope. WHY THIS PLAY? In presenting this emotional story, we endeavor to contribute to the conversation within our community around the important issue of mental health. Through the unique experience of live theater, we seek to encourage contemplation and conversation, destigmatize mental illness, and increase empathy for those who are struggling. After all, each of us is an ordinary person who, at any time, could experience sudden hardship like the Jarretts. Our shared understanding of this universal dilemma brings us together and reminds us of our humanity. RAISING AWARENESS: We also aim to raise awareness of the many wonderful resources New Canaan and our neighboring communities offer for mental health support. Additionally, we thank our sponsors: New Canaan Human Services, Silver Hill Hospital, and Connecticut Humanities. We are especially grateful to Dr. Michael Groat, chief clinical officer at Silver Hill Hospital, for advising our cast and crew as they strive to identify with the characters and for hosting talk-backs with our audiences following each Sunday matinee performance.