On Jan. 24, the Vienna Theatre Company debuts “This,” a drama with a humorous take on the tribulations of life at about 40 years old … give or take a year or two in either direction.
The five characters are facing pivotal stages in their own lives, from the birth of a child to the death of a spouse to the search for love. In between is the requisite turn to infidelity as a theatrical platform for psychoanalysis.
“‘This’ refers to that thing that’s kind-of blocking you in your life, things you don’t want to talk about,” said “This” producer, Jessie Roberts of Great Falls.
A widow, a couple whose new parenthood builds a wall, and a gay man who feels insignificant in the shadow of a French doctor engaged in humanitarian work make up the ensemble cast. Allen McRae plays the French doctor working with Doctors Without Borders, Jean Pierre.
“The chance to do a French accent appeals to me,” McRae said. “I like working with accents, British, French … I actually do a phone conversation in French and that was fun.”
“This,” whatever this is to the characters absorbed in their own internal maelstroms, is the center of their problems, this thing that stands in the way of their happiness and contentment. The characters are waiting for the “thing” that will put “everything in focus” as they grasp with that thing that invades their lives and impedes their happiness.
“I think it’s fascinating to look at a period in people’s lives,” said “This” director, Tom Flatt. “Although it deals with some of the more challenging aspects of adulthood, it does it with humor.”
“This” has adult language and is not appropriate for children under 16. The play was written by Melissa James Gibson.
Tickets are priced at $13 each for adults and are available for purchase at the Vienna Community Center or at the door on performance day. Performances are on Jan. 24, 25, 31, and Feb. 1 at 8 p.m., and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 2 and 9.
“This” is presented at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry Street SE. Call the community center at 703-255-6360 for weather cancellations.
— Donna Manz