The Father at Powerhouse Theatre, Waveny Park New Canaan

The Town Players of New Canaan is pleased to announce its spring production: The Father.  This critically acclaimed 2014 play by Florian Zeller won the prestigious Molière Award. This is a deeply moving and compassionate portrait of a father and daughter navigating the shifting realities of memory, told with warmth, insight, and unexpected moments of humor.  Per director Deborah Burke, "The Father is a psychologically immersive play that uniquely puts the audience in the position of the main character, allowing us to experience his confusion as if it were our own.  We never know what's true or real."  

Since its debut, The Father received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and originality.  Best Actor awards were won by Frank Langella, for the play, and by Anthony Hopkins for the film adaptation.  Town Players' production features accomplished  local actors Will Jeffries as “the father" (previously seen at the Powerhouse Theatre as the psychiatrist in Ordinary People) and is joined by Kitty Robertson, Eric Schuster, Jaimie Wallace, Cathy Cordaro and Phil Lorenzo.  Original music is composed and performed by 12-year-old musical prodigy Dylan Conuel from Pittsfield, MA, also featured in Terra Nova (2025, Powerhouse Theatre). Dylan was discovered by Burke at the Red Lion Inn for his virtuosic piano playing.

As this play will certainly touch individuals and families dealing with the memory loss of loved ones, audience members are invited to stay for talkbacks immediately following two Sunday matinees (April 26th and May 3rd). The talkbacks will include the cast, director Deborah Burke, and will be joined by professionals specializing in geriatric psychiatry and support: Dr. Marco Christian Michael, a board-certified psychiatrist with fellowship training in geriatric psychiatry, of Stamford Health Medical Group; Dr. Elaina DellaCava, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine; and Kathleen Benevento, Executive Director of the Navigator Program at Waveny LifeCare Network in New Canaan.  This distinguished panel shares their perspectives on why it’s important for the community to come together and the power of live theatre to heal:

Dr. Michael, “The cast, director, and crew bring together a captivating glimpse to the challenges of the affected person in discerning reality, while their family members face a new reality of caregiving.  The theme on preserving dignity and prevailing love cannot be overstated.  Memory loss does not discriminate gender, race, or socioeconomic background.  We hope that this play improves the recognition of memory loss, increases compassion and provides support towards those with this condition and their caregivers.  I am honored to participate and look forward to joining the cast and director to discuss this excellent play.”  

Dr. DellaCava,  “Memory loss can be a very painful topic, one that is close to home as people live longer.  The play can be a source of support - a place to come together and acknowledge a profoundly human experience together - while appreciating more of what our loved ones may experience. The experience can be cathartic."

Ms. Benevento, “Having worked with dementia clients, caregivers, and families for over five years, I’m impressed with how The Father portrays dementia from the patient’s point of view.  Waveny LifeCare Network is pleased to partner with the Town Players to raise awareness of dementia and the support services available in our community."

Performances of The Father run weekends from Friday, April 24th - Sunday May 10th at New Canaan’s community theatre, at The Powerhouse Theatre in Waveny Park.  The show runs 90 minutes, with no intermission.  For more information about this production, for tickets, or to learn about the Town Players of New Canaan, go to tpnc.org.  or email TICKETS@TPNC.org