WONDER OF THE WORLD Takes the Stage at Open Book Theatre in Trenton

A wet, wild and wacky comedy is just the thing for these cold, dreary months. Wonder of the World, on stage at Open Book Theatre Company from January 11 to Feb 9, will take audiences on an adventure as they follow Cass to one of the seven wonders of the world: Niagara Falls.

Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire is known for tackling some real-life hard subjects in the midst of absurd comedy, and this play is no exception. Director Sarah Hawkins says, "David Lindsay-Abaire speaks to my quirky, fun sense of humor! I'm having fun directing this comedy that throws so many unexpected curves and fun plot twists that both challenge and delight the actors, and will have the audience rolling in the aisles. I can't wait for the Downriver community to fall in love with Wonder of the World!"

The story begins when Cass leaves her husband Kip after the discovery of a deviant secret has her questioning their whole marriage, and her whole life. She heads to the Falls to try to reclaim the life she thinks she missed. As she works her way down the list of goals she abandoned years ago, she makes new friends and ponders whether life is a series of random occurrences, or the product of an inevitable grand design.

"I think self-exploration and reflection are universal, and the desire to get out of a rut and truly experience all the world has to offer is a secret desire for many of us," explains Hawkins. "Whenever I see stories about someone leaving a boring desk job to travel the world, I admit I'm a bit envious. So many people think that what they have is all they are ever going to get, so they settle. But Wonder of the World is a story of a woman who challenges herself to walk away from an unsatisfying life in search of adventure, and in the meantime, she gains friendship and courage."

Cass is played by Krista Schafer Ewbank, Open Book's Artistic Director, and winner of the 2018 Wilde Award for Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Play for last year's Emilie, also directed by Hawkins. "This is such a fun change of pace from Emilie," says Schafer Ewbank. "There are helicopters, giant bags of chips, and lots of zaniness. We're laughing constantly at rehearsal, and hope the audience will be just as delighted as we are!"

Individual tickets are only $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors, and $15 for students, with all tickets for the opening night gala at $30 each. Tickets can be purchased online at openbooktc.com. More information can be found online, or by calling (734) 288-7753.

The play features Krista Schafer Ewbank as Cass, Linda Rabin Hammell as Lois, Richard Payton as Kip, Patrick Loos as Captain Mike, Connie Cowper and Dan Morrison as detectives Karla and Glen, and Mandy Logsdon as everyone else! Directed by Sarah Hawkins with scenic design by Eric Niece, lighting design by Harley Miah, props and costume design by Reyna DeSilva, and stage management by Jillian Joie Dahl.