The Dining Room,” by A. R. Gurney, will be presented from April 26th through Sunday, April 28th at the Southampton Arts Center, located at 25 Jobs Lane in Southampton Village. There are numerous reasons to see this show.
Here are a few comments about the show from previous productions: “…hilarious and touching…as comic sketch crazily succeeds comic sketch, a whole pattern of American life emerges…” — New York Post. “THE DINING ROOM serves a banquet of theatrical riches.” — New York Daily News. “…a thoughtful and superbly written comedy…” — Variety. “…often funny and rueful and, by the end, very moving.” — The New York Times.
Regarding this show, Director Michael Disher said, “Performances will be held on Friday, April 26th at 7:00 PM, Saturday, April 27th at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and Sunday, April 28th at 2:00 PM.” He also added, “I’ve loved this script for many years. At its core is a beating heart of humor, reflection, and remembrance of life events that occur around the dining table. What so brilliantly brings these words to life (in this production) are the 13 actors – all of whom have history with me and one another.”
Mr. Disher, who has been a generational gift to all things East End performing arts, also added, “I think we toss the word ‘ensemble’ around too freely, but this group has grown in marked strength and presentation because of one another. They have worked tirelessly – collectively and individually. The play is not about food but what feeds us as humans when we communicate in a civilized setting.”
Then, Mr. Disher turned the bright light on his cast, saying, “This particular cast is nothing short of an amalgam of experience and contribution – to me and to one another. Gurney’s richly textured and layered script is almost an equal embarrassment of riches.”
He also professed that once upon a time, before open concepts and eat-in kitchens became the must-have elements of a home, the dining room was second only to the kitchen as the heart and hearth of any dwelling. In 1982, A. R. Gurney examined the worth, value, and purpose of the center of most family holidays, declamations, disagreements, and life-altering events.
This show, in 18 vignettes, examines this room and its versatility and variety of functions – humorously, pointedly, poignantly, and with great reverence and reflection.
Disher’s Main Stage production of “The Dining Room” features Daniel Becker, who said about this show, “Each scene is a story in itself, a relationship, a theme, a portrait, a culture, and the room itself sits in the center of an era, a sketch of a different age.”
Also, cast member Barbara Jo Howard added, “Michael is great to work with. He spends time working with each actor, developing each scene, to reveal each character’s unique story. He is a generous director who empowers his actors to stretch. Working with him is a lot of fun.”
Others in this distinguished cast are Susan Cincotta, Susan Conklin, Bethany Dellapolla, Richard Gardini, Tom Gregory, Jenifer Maxson, Franco Pistritto, Jack Seabury, Michael Lyn Schepps, Christopher Tyrrko, and Gerri Wilson.
Stage Management and Design will be handled by the accomplished Joseph Giovingo, and Lighting and Sound by Kenneth Blessing.
An added wrinkle is the option to complete the day with dinner or brunch before the performance! Patrons need only to show proof of a ticket for that day to “The Dining Room.” Although reservations are suggested, with payment for meals to be made directly to the restaurant.
Publick House, 62 Jobs Lane, Southampton. 631-283-2800. Offers 15% off the regular menu on the day of the show. Drinks, tax, and gratuity are not included in the 15% discount.
Claude’s Restaurant at The Southampton Inn, 91 Hill Street, Southampton. 631-283-6500. Brunch is served from 11 am to 2pm on the days of the show and the offer is a special price of $28.
Bamboo Restaurant, 76C Job’s Lane, Southampton. 631-488-4240. Offers 20% off the regular menu. Drinks, tax and gratuity not included in discount. Happy hour specials and specials are also not included.
Tickets are available at www.southamptonartscenter.org/live or by calling 631 283-0967.
