Elaine Leahy
“I’m fit! I’m fun! I’m fascinating!” Aaron declares confidently while admiring himself in the mirror at the beginning of Marblehead Little Theater’s new play, “Party?” Following the advice of his favorite self-help guru, Dr. Stang, Aaron’s affirmations are proving to be instrumental in putting him on a path to make some big decisions during a mid-life crisis.
“Party?” has been called “A Doll’s House meets Neil Simon” because it deals with the ups and downs of marriage in three generations, all with witty flair. In “Party?” we spend an evening with a New York City family in comic turmoil. Felix and Esther show the wisdom resulting from a long-lasting marriage, Aaron and Diana deal with aging and major life decisions, while Jason and Caitlyn are deciding what kind of marriage could work for them.
Writer Anne Marilyn Lucas, a veteran MLT member, says in “Party?” she addresses the issue of narcissism and offers a subtle warning to women who fall for egotistical men like the character Aaron.
“These women are compassionate, heart-centered and generous,” says Lucas. “The kind who keep forgiving unacceptable behavior thinking people will change.”
Starting as a 10-minute play, “Party?” became a full-length production after Lucas’ graduate studies professor encouraged her to expand it. This is Lucas’ first comedy, having tackled inter-generational trauma in the Holocaust survivor drama, “From Silence,” and drug addiction and family healing in “Recovery.”
“Comedy is truth pushed to extremes,” director Myriam Cyr told the actors during rehearsal. “We’ll create an extreme of what is true in life.”
This is Cyr’s first foray at the MLT, though she is president of production company Punctuate4. She also directs, writes and performs internationally.
Veteran MLT member Dayle Persons produces this play and she has also stage managed, acted and sung in many productions.
“There is just a wonderful group of dedicated folks involved with “Party?” including the cast, author, director and the many people it really takes to put together a show,” said Persons. “I hope that folks enjoy seeing it as much as I am enjoying producing it.”
MLT is delighted to welcome talented new and veteran cast members Betty Lautner, James DeSantis, Sharon Mason, Ed Siegal, Victoria Berube and Michael Mazzone. Look for actors’ comments on their characters in a series of social media posts on MLT’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
“Party?” dates are Jan. 20, 21, 22, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at MLTLive.com.