TheatreWorks New Milford e-Newsletter / Off-Broadway Theatre Right In Your Backyard
Volume 09 / Issue 5 Click Here to view this email as a web page March 11, 2009


– Republican-American

"beautifully written …"Rabbit Hole" should leave you with a renewed appreciation for the expression "carpe diem."
—  The News-Times

"Kudos to TheatreWorks for taking on such an ambitious and worthwhile project. This is definitely worth going to see."
— The Newtown Bee

"…a brilliantly directed, beautifully rendered and, ultimately, uplifting production."
— The Housatonic Time

Final two performances of RABBIT HOLE this weekend — March 13th & 14th

This weekend marks the final two performances of David Lindsay-Abaire's Pulitzer  Prize winning drama Rabbit Hole. A graceful drama of what comes after tragedy, this lyrical and surprisingly humorous story gives way to a sad, sweet release about the nuances of the human heart and the capacity to overcome loss.

Audiences and critics alike have responded to this powerful production and enjoyed a great night of theatre. The strength of the production rests on the shoulder of the cast and director for bringing this piece to life and making ring true. Sensitively directed by Susan Pettibone, Rabbit Hole features some of the area’s finest actors: Heather Nicolson; Rob Onorato; and Kevin Sosbe, Jackie Decho-Holm, and Sonnie Osborne.

But other words of appreciation are in order for those behind scenes.  Erik Diaz's set design was brought to stunning life by technical director/master carpenter Scott Wyshynski, who went above and beyond the call on this one! In addition, set dresser Glenn Couture finishing touches gave the final piece just the right look for our Suburban couple from Westchester County. Many dedicated hours were poured into this set and we thank the numerous craftsman (too many to mention here so please check the program!) who contributed their time and expertise. Kudos also to stage manager KC Ross who keeps everyone and everything in the proper place at the proper time.

Finally, we'd like to thank you, our audience for spreading the word of the show's strong performances and impeccable production value. Every time you buy a ticket or tell a friend about a show you saw here, you are helping to keep this theatre alive and thriving. And if you haven’t seen Rabbit Hole yet, you still have two more chances. So please don’t wait…

Final Weekend - March 13, 14 2009
Fridays & Saturdays 8:00 PM
$20.00 Reserved Seating
TheatreWorks, 5 Brookside Avenue, New Milford, CT

Rabbit Hole: Featured Actors, Sonnie Osborne & Kevin Sosbe


Sonnie Osborne

Kevin Sosbe

Joe Russo sat down with the final two performers in TheatreWorks' critically acclaimed hit, Rabbit Hole.  While both Sonnie Osborne and Kevin Sosbe have numerous theatrical credits, it's been a few years since audiences have seen them and TheatreWorks is very glad to welcome them back!

Neither of you are strangers to the TheatreWorks stage, it's been a long time since TheatreWorks' audiences have seen you in a show.

Q. How does it feel to be back on stage?

SAfter a four-year hiatus from acting, I was delighted to be offered the role of Nat. It also meant the opportunity to work again under Suzi Pettibone’s direction. I played Gertie in the TheatreWorks' production of Fuddy Meers, also by David Lindsay-Abaire, interestingly enough. 

KIt's been nearly 13 years since I've been on stage. I think it was a bit daunting initially, but I'm very glad to be back!

Q. Even though you haven't been seen on stage in a while, you can't say that you haven't been busy, can you?

SOh, not at all! Among other projects, I directed Moonlight and Magnolias last season and am getting ready to begin directing the next show in TheatreWorks' 2009 season, The Fourth Wall.

K I've been involved in all aspects of theatre for nearly 23 years. I've performed, directed, designed, written, and currently build scenery for a living. Almost every cent I've made in my adult life has been from professional production work. It's something that makes me proud to say, and tired!

Q. What would you say about your characters in Rabbit Hole?

SNat is down-to-earth, funny and outspoken. She's has a time-toughened exterior but also a deep-rooted empathy for her daughters. She's had her own share of suffering.

KWhen I read Rabbit Hole, I connected to Howie. This role is unique for me because its the first time for me, as a dad, to play dad. It's challenging to settle into a role that requires a diversity of emotions and maintain focus in the moments -- one moment can impede on your moving forward to the next; it demands great attention.

Q. Any thoughts on the play itself?

SIt's an intensely moving story played out through a series of quiet domestic scenes of the day-to-day life of ordinary people. I find that it is finely drawn and affecting and depicts their emotions with a graceful balance of humor and melancholy. I think that TheatreWorks continues its level of work and may even take it to a higher standard with its production of this well-crafted and powerful script.

KWell, it's very contemporary in it's style, for one. It really requires the balancing of emotions and making sure that the character and the character's relationships remain worth caring about.

Q. What do you think audiences will take away from this production?

SAudiences will become completely absorbed in the story because of its believability and its honest and genuine interactions between family members. I believe the playwright accurately paints the portrait of this complex but real family with honest and often amusing dialogue, truthfully presenting them as they come to terms with life in a changed world.

K I think the audience will be reminded of the fleeting time we have in this world and how easily our comfort zone can be taken away from us.

Audience Survey
Tell us about your most recent TheatreWorks New Milford production you attended. Your answers to this survey will be invaluable to us in presenting quality theatre experiences at TheatreWorks. It should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time.

TheatreWorks Kids
Spring Session Starts
March 21 @ 9:00 AM

Seussical, Jr.
March 21 - May 31
Register Today!

 

Guys & Dolls, Jr.
June 29 - July 18
Register Today!

Day of registrations welcome.


Casting Call: DOUBT

TheatreWorks will be holding auditions by appointment for a black actress for the role of Mrs. Muller (age range 30s to 40s).

Mrs. Muller is the mother of Donald Muller, the first black child to attend St. Nicholas. She is aware that he has been expelled from the altar boys for drinking wine, but she thinks of that as a minor infraction that is behind them. When she finds out that her son may be the victim of a sexual predator, Mrs. Muller does not react with outrage. She reveals that her son may already have homosexual tendencies and is willing to accept a relationship between the boy and the priest in exchange for his being accepted in a hostile environment and being given the opportunity to escape an abusive father. Drop by careful drop, she pours out her heart, revealing the aspirations and desperation of any parent who'll fight to insure her son has a better life than she has. 

For more information on DOUBT click here.

To make an appointment for the role of Mrs. Muller please email or call 860 350-6863. 

An open call for all roles will be held in early May. Click Here for details.


Coming Up Next . . .

Director Sonnie Osborne has cast four exceptional performers for playwright A.R. Gurney's hilarious comedy that takes interior decorating to theatrical new heights.

Featured in the cast are Jonathan Ross, Glenn R. Couture, Beth Bonnabeau, and LuAnn Leonard.

Thank you to all who came out and auditioned and we hope to see you again in the future. 

Tickets for "The Fourth Wall" are on sale now and going fast with May 9th  already SOLD OUT.

May 1 - 23
Fridays & Saturdays 8:00 PM / Sunday 2:00 PM
$20.00 Reserved Seating
TheatreWorks, 5 Brookside Avenue, New Milford, CT