From left - cast of the Providence Players of Fairfax “Other Desert Cities” in an early rehearsal: Andra Whitt (Brooke Wyeth), Bobby Welsh (Trip Wyeth), Tina Thronson (Polly Wyeth), Barbara Gertzog (Silda Grauman) and John Coscia (Lyman Wyeth). Photos by Chip Gertzog/Courtesy of Providence Players of Fairfax
Does a daughter have the right to write a family “tell-all” memoir that will upset her orderly, well-to-do family? The Providence Players of Fairfax County invite you to reflect on that question and more with its next production, “Other Desert Cities.”
The drama-comedy was nominated for multiple 2012 Tony Awards including Best Play and was a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize. Written by Jon Robin Baitz, the show focuses on the well-connected Wyeth family as daughter Brooke returns home to celebrate Christmas. Soon enough family life unravels as political views clash and family differences and secrets are brought to the light of day.
“This play has plenty of comedy, has a great plot and wonderfully, clearly drawn characters. They are clever people. The audience will care about them even if they don’t agree with their points of view,” said Tina Thronson, director of “Other Desert Cities.”
“The Wyeth family is obsessed with privacy. There is a sense of betrayal when the parents learn one of their two daughters wants to write about family secrets,” added Thronson. What is unique about this Providence Players production; Thronson will also play Polly Wyeth, one of the two sisters as well as directing the five member cast.
Where and When
Providence Players of Fairfax County present “Other Desert Cities” at the James Lee Community Center Theater, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church. Performances: March 13-28. Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. Matinees at 2 p.m. March 15 & 22. Tickets: $17-$20. Call 703-425-6782 or visit http://www.providen…">www.providenceplaye….
Brooke Wyeth is portrayed by Andra Whitt. “My character is so needy; yet so feverishly independent in her attitude. She is a collection of opposites; loving and selfish, incredibly uncertain yet thinks she knows who she is,” said Whitt in a recent interview.
“This is a wonderfully absorbing show with great storytelling and characters that are not clichés,” said cast member Barbara Gertzog as she described “Other Desert Cities.”
John Coscia plays the father, Lyman. “This is an actor’s dream of a well-written play,” noted Coscia. “The role is so different from who I am. And it’s great to have an opportunity to expand upon what I have done in the past.”
As a group, the actors indicated that “Other Desert Cities” delves into a family life with characters that are penetrating along with plenty of comedy and barbed words. As they have rehearsed over the weeks, they have become their own family giving their stage characters a real sense of family for the audience.
Plenty of vivid revelations and surprises await the audience. After all, should a family member just terrorize everyone else, especially her guilty parents? The stage is set to find out.