RABBIT HOLE, according to Michael Whitehill, the Church Hill Theatre production’s director, is a play that hits us in places that are soft, unexplored, and tender to the touch. The specific issues are the tragic loss of a child, grief, and how five good people deal with their feelings. Each character finds a completely valid and consistent path forward but these paths inevitably push the others away. No life structure can braid them together as they go down their individual rabbit holes, for grief is not a choice, not a reasoned response, and not in our power to change. There is something imprinted on our individual character and soul that erupts in these moments of personal tragedy and just….is.
Church Hill Theatre honors the playwright’s request that this play not devolve into a maudlin, mawkish, and teary “Movie of the Week.” You may need that box of tissues—but you will also find yourself laughing frequently as the characters face an uncertain future. Rabbit Hole won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for drama and was made into a critically acclaimed film starring Nicole Kidman. CHT’s production features John Haas and Christine Kinlock as the bereaved parents, Howie and Becca. Kathy Jones plays Becca’s mother, Nat and Laura Kerns plays her sister, Izzy. Patrick Lindsay is Jason and we hear, but do not see, Connor Emerson Christopher.
Director Whitehill also serves as producer and designed the overall set and lights. Others on the production crew include assistant director Becca Webb, stage manager Laura Kaufmann, her assistant Kristin Demers, lighting expert Doug Kaufmann, technician Jusden Merrick, sound designer Steve Payne, and set designer Brian Draper.
Immediately following the performance on Sunday, August 18, the director and members of the cast will hold a symposium with counselors and interested audience members to discuss the emotional issues raised in the play.
Rabbit Hole will run for nine performances on weekends from Friday, August 9, through Sunday, August 25, 2013. Performances begin at 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 pm on Sundays. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students. Reservations can be made by calling the box office at 410-758-1331 or online at www.churchhilltheatre.org
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