The Wilton Playshop, now in its 79th consecutive season, is proud to present the Amanda Peet play, The Commons of Pensacola, directed by Carin Zakes.
The play is based on the downfall of a mega financier whose notorious Ponzi scheme defrauded investors of millions of dollars. His devastated wife, Judith (Nancy Thode of Stamford), has fled the media blitzkrieg lights of Manhattan to a cheap Florida condo, with a broken spirit and declining health.
At its heart, the play is about the central relationship of Judith and her grown daughters, especially Becca (Jessie Gilbert), who has come to Pensacola with her filmmaker boyfriend Gabe (Alex J. Helm) with the goal of getting mom to agree to a docu-series about her situation. Another daughter, Ali (Erica Evelti) also shows up on the scene full of rage at her parents’ decisions, to be joined by her foul-mouthed teenage daughter, Lizzy (Deanne Hartog). Lorena (Shelley Lepetich) plays Judith’s maid – the last luxury she refuses to relinquish.
The fallout from the now-jailed father and husband is examined and looks at the ones left behind. And the looming question—“What did she know?”—remains to be answered.
Of course the storyline should strike some familiar chords to anyone who followed the Bernie Madoff story.
“One of the reasons we chose this show is because the topic hits so close to home for a lot of people in Fairfield County. We want to bring contemporary plays to our audiences in addition to classics,” said Zakes, the show’s director.
Carin Friedag, executive director and vice president of the Board of The Wilton Playshop added, “Our eclectic mix of shows this season – from big musical numbers like our next production, Chicago, to the quaint, family-friendly The 12 Days of Christmas – is nicely complemented by this look at family dynamics in The Commons of Pensacola.”
The New York Times referred to the off-Broadway production as “a drama laced with biting humor.” Parental guidance (language) is recommended.
Performances begin this week and run at 8 p.m. on February 26, 27, March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12. There will be afternoon matinees on February 28 and March 6, at 2 p.m.. Tickets are on sale now and cost $25 for adults, and $20 for seniors and students. There are $5 discounts offered on ‘Thrifty Thursdays,’ March 3 and 10.
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