True stories, intrigue, comedy, and drama. Compelling live summer theater, including two world premieres and one American premiere, is just a short drive along Route 20 from Westfield.
Founded by Vincent Dowling, a former artistic director of Dublin’s Abbey Theatre, Chester Theatre Company, which is celebrating its 35th season, is an award-winning professional theatre company known for presenting high quality, contemporary productions with top-notch actors, directors, and designers from across the country since 1990.
James Barry and Tara Franklin, who performed in Sister Play together during the 2016 season, have worked together as actors at Chester ever since. Last season, the couple took over as artistic directors. “Tara and I thought we’d throw our hat in the ring, and here we are, Barry said. “We’re very excited and both very proud of our first season.”
The couple’s second season includes “Unreconciled,” by Northampton resident Jay Sefton and Mark Basquill. The true story of an adolescent actor cast as Jesus in a play directed by a corrupt priest, it chronicles a survivor’s journey as he confronts his past and discovers the courage to use his voice.
"I am just thrilled to be a part of Chester Theatre Company's 35th season with the world premiere of Unreconciled. Tara and James have been so supportive and encouraging, championing the play and me since Mark and I started collaborating on it. I could not be more grateful for their efforts to bring Unreconciled out into the world and feel extremely lucky to be working with such a talented and dedicated group of artists this summer in Chester" Sefton said.
Chester Theatre’s season brochure describes Sefton’s virtuosic solo performance as “an unflinching quest for justice, brimming with heart, humor, and compassion.” The play runs from July 4-14.
Up next and running from July 25-August 4 is the world premiere of Will Sacrifice, a comedy about a couple living in a cramped New York City apartment. The wife’s stagnant career convinces her to search for a country escape in the post-9/11 real estate gold rush in the Catskills.
The season wraps up with the American premiere of Big Big Sky by Tom Wells. The play explores nature’s influence on friendship and family, and the belief that anyone who’s lost can be found. It runs from August 8-18.
All performances take place at the Town Hall Theatre,15 Middlefield Road, Chester. For more information, visit www.chestertheatre.org
Compelling live summer theater, including two world premieres and one American premiere, is just a short drive along Route 20 from Westfield.