The Peterborough Players’ 2022 summer season continues with “Circle Mirror Transformation” from Thursday, July 7, to Sunday, July 17 in the barn at 55 Hadley Road. All shows are at 7:30 p.m., with the exception of the Sunday shows July 10 and 17, which are at 4 p.m.
This dramedy by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker explores the catalyst for intimate self-discovery in humorous of settings. Artistic Director Tom Frey is directing the play
When an unlikely company of strangers comes together to take a community acting class in a small town in Vermont, they discover more about themselves than about Stanislavski, Hagen or Meisner. As they participate in acting exercises, they find that the true study is in their own growth, exploration, and discovery. As they’re cracked open, surrounded by the trappings of the studio, the class exercises inspire both teacher and students to face their lives with greater courage.
“To me, this is a quintessential Players show — unexpected, and makes you laugh just as much as it moves you,” Frey stated. “In my experience, acting class was where I laughed, and occasionally cried, the hardest with my classmates, as someone made a brilliant choice or revelation about themselves. However, while the action of this play takes place in an acting class, anyone, whether they’ve set foot in a studio or not, will see themselves in these incredibly well-written characters.”
The cast features a mix of returning Players’ company members, as well as new faces. Kate Kenney (“Our Town” at the Players, “A Christmas Carol” national tour) returns as Theresa. Philip Kershaw (“Our Town” at the Players, “Julius Caesar” at Houston Shakespeare Festival) returns as Schultz. Douglas Rees (“Arsenic and Old Lace” at the Players, “Our Town” at Alabama Shakespeare Festival) returns in the role of James, and Katie Shults (“Beehive: The 60s Musical” at the Players, “Pride and Prejudice” at Lost Nation Theatre) returns as Lauren.
In addition, the Players welcome Marina Re (“Master Class” at Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre) as acting teacher Marty.
Scenic design is by Emmy Boisvert, with costume design by Bethany Mullins, lighting design by Jonathan (Jack) Stoffel, sound design by Kevin Frazier and design by Emily Allinson. Julia Perez and Vanessa C. Hart are Actors’ Equity Stage Management.
Special events
In addition to the post-show talkback on July 10th, the Players hosts its next Food Truck Night July 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. Total Thai Food Truck will be on-site with Thai food, available for purchase. Pay-What-You-Can tickets for “Circle Mirror Transformation” will be available on Friday, July 8, to anyone who needs assistance accessing tickets to Players’ productions. Patrons to attend that performance, with a guest, for whatever they feel they can pay. Tickets must be reserved ahead of time through the box office at 603-924-7585.
Single tickets for “Circle Mirror Transformation” are on sale for $47. Barn Door Flex Passes are available throughout the summer season. Tickets can be purchased at peterboroughplayers.org or by calling the box office at 603-924-7585.