In May, Peterborough’s Firelight Theatre Workshop presents award-winning playwright Craig Wright’s comedy, “The Pavilion.”
The play, directed by co-Artistic Director Nora Fiffer, features Firelight’s style of intimacy and surprises and runs Thursdays through Sundays, May 5 to 28. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Firelight is currently in its sixth season with over 15 productions behind them, including 10 written by the company. Audience members are close to the action, and Firelight often makes site-specific work, choosing locations that fit the story’s environment.
“We always ask ourselves, how can we offer the deepest experience for our audience?” Fiffer stated. “How can we take everyone with us on the ride of the story?”
While the pandemic shifted the storytelling modes at Firelight, the company continued to share stories via mail, radio, film, multimedia gallery and outdoor live performance. Now, Firelight is returning to its Peterborough studio – an oversized office-turned-theater at 70 Main St., No. 204.
“The Firelight studio is our artistic home. It’s where we write, rehearse, hold meetings, explore new ideas,” stated Fiffer. “We love welcoming our audiences to this special space.”
“The Pavilion” drops the audience into a small-town high school reunion for the Class of 1987. The evening is facilitated by a narrator, who introduces the audience to Peter Mollberg, who has finally returned to his hometown of Pine City, Minn., after decades of being away. He has brought flowers and chocolate for Kari, the love he left behind.
Kari is still married and still works at the bank, but maintains she has changed. And on top of everything, the beloved pavilion will be burned at midnight. As the night unfolds, the narrator — and the dozen characters he embodies — leads Peter and Kari through a reunion.
“The Pavilion is a beautiful play, and it’s really fitting for our 2023 season. This year we’re exploring the theme ‘Reunion’ with our projects. We’re so excited to come back together with our audience, and meet newcomers to Firelight,” stated co-Artistic Director Jason Lambert.
“The Pavilion” features familiar Firelight actors. Henry Walters plays the narrator and an array of reunion attendees. Laura Carden plays Kari, and Lambert plays Peter. Scenic and costume design are by Sarah Sandback, lighting design by QuentonGlennon, dramaturgy by Tori Haring-Smith, and stage management by JaziminaMacNeil.
Firelight is a 2022 Ewing Performing Arts Award Winner, has been recognized by the New Hampshire Theatre Alliance with awards for Best Director and Best Production and was voted by NH Magazine as Best Experimental Theatre.
Following “The Pavilion,” Firelight will continue its season with its annual community event, “Tiny Stories,” a film called “Dinner Time,” a fall play, and the final two installments of its signature series, “We Were Friends.”
Advance tickets are encouraged. “The Pavilion” runs two hours, including a 15 minute intermission. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for Firelight members. For information about Firelight Theatre Workshop and to purchase tickets, visit the Firelight website.
Firelight offers membership opportunities for 20 percent discounted tickets and special events. The company also offers pay-what-you-can performances and free seats to volunteer house managers. To learn more about special discounts and volunteer opportunities, send email to firelighttheatreworkshop@gmail.com.
To stay up to date with Firelight’s projects, join the newsletter mailing list at firelighttheatreworkshop.com/contact and follow Firelight on Facebook and Instagram.