Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre Debuts WHAT STAYS

Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, professional theatre in residence at Oakes Center in Summit, is producing the World Premiere of What Stays by Laura Ekstrand and Jason Szamreta. This heartwarming comedy, written by two members of Dreamcatcher's ensemble, was inspired by stories from the company's own lives and woven to reflect the common experience of a family going through a major life change. What Stays runs February 8 - 25, 2018.

In the play, Dorothy has two days to finish packing up the family home and move to a new condo, so she's called in her adult children to help with the task. When several unexpected visitors show up as well, the job becomes even more complicated. What they don't know is that in the course of their visit, she plans to reveal to them something that she's kept hidden for decades. What she doesn't know is that nearly everyone in the house has secrets of their own. Ultimately, the family will discover the cost of hiding the truth and the cost of telling it. Together they'll decide what stays with them and what will be left behind.

The production is directed by Betsy True (Westfield) and features Dreamcatcher ensemble members Nicole Callender (West Orange), Harry Patrick Christian (Montclair), Laura Ekstrand (Livingston), Noreen Farley (Clinton), Scott McGowan (Maplewood) and Harriett Trangucci (Summit). They are joined by Brianna Kalisch (New York City) and Christopher John Young (Wharton). This is Ekstrand and Szamreta's first collaboration, but Ekstrand has previously written The Neighborhood (book and lyrics) with composer Joe Zawila for the Dreamcatcher company, along with several other plays that have been produced throughout the metropolitan area.

What Stays will run at Dreamcatcher from Thursday, February 8, a preview performance, through Sunday, February 25, 2018. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets range from $20 to $35, with special rates for subscribers and groups. Purchase tickets at www.dreamcatcherrep.org or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006. Special dates: Thursday, February 8 is a preview performance; all tickets $20. Friday, February 9 is opening night, followed by a reception with the cast. Sunday, February 11 is Senior Sunday; seniors age 65+ pay $20. Talkbacks follow the February 11 and 18 matinees.

Performances are at Oakes Center, located at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit. Parking is available in the lot behind the theatre at 20 Ashwood Avenue and at the Summit Recreation Center, 100 Morris Avenue. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Assistive listening devices for the hearing impaired and advance large print scripts are available for free by prior arrangement. To purchase tickets or for information on any of Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre's programs, visit www.dreamcatcherrep.org or contact Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre at Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901, business phone 908-514-9654.