Terms of Endearment at Theatre Workshop of Nantucket

John Shea and Ellie Gottwald (Cornell) lead cast of Terms of Endearment at Theatre Workshop of Nantucket (TWN). Emmy award winning actor John Shea portrays the womanizing retired astronaut Garrett Breedlove, in his return to the Theatre Workshop stage. Sheas first role at Theatre Workshop was in 1968, and he has maintained ties to the island theatre throughout his successful career on and off Broadway, and in television and film. A few of Sheas professional highlights include, Yentl on Broadway, 25 Plays, Lois and Clark:The New Adventures of Superman, Mutant X, and Agent X. Hes also the filmaker of Southie and Grey Lady. Shea served as Theatre Workshops Artistic Director from 2009 to 2014, and is currently TWNs Artistic Director Emeritus. Terms of Endearment is Sheas first mainstage role at TWN since 2009s Blackbird, and the first time he has worked with TWNs current Artistic Director, Justin Cerne who directs Terms of Endearment. After knowing John for many years and working together in other capacities, Im thrilled to have the chance to work with John on this show, says Cerne. John is an accomplished professional who despite his formidable talent is always humble and supportive of other actors.Shea is joined by Ellie Gottwald (Cornell) who resides in Nantucket and whose theatre credits include Antony & Cleopatra (VA Rep), Loves Labors Lost, and As You Like It (Shakespeare & Company). She is probably most widely known for her roles as Rachel Carruthers in the films Halloween 4 & 5. In recent years, Cornell has appeared in several Theatre Workshop shows including The Odd Couple, Steel Magnolias, Black Tie and Book of Liz. Cornell portrays the iconic Aurora Greenway, widowed and navigating her new relationship with her neighbor Garrett as well as her complex, and powerful relationship with her daughter Emma. Brooke Sweeny who graced the TWN stage as Frenchy in this summers Grease, and in 2018s Footloose, is Emma. Brookes national tour, off Broadway and Regional credits include, Polkadots, Mad Libs Live!, and Avenue Q. Brooke is a graduate of Harvard University. Dakota Dutcher, recently off the national tour of Spamalot is Flap Horton. John Devaney renowned Nantucket artist who has taken the stage on Nantucket and across the country for decades and Leise Trueblood, a fresh new talent coming the the TWN stage round out this exceptional cast. Terms of Endearment opens September 12 and runs through October 5. Tickets at theatrenantucket.org.

Authors

• Dan Gordon