The Dining Room at Avon High School Auditorium

Avon High School Theatre will present A. R. Gurneys "The Dining Room," by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., on Friday and Saturday, November 15 and 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Avon High School auditorium. This collection of entertaining scenes, which viewers imagine taking place in 18 households from varied time periods, is sometimes comic and sometimes emotionally touching. As the scenes intertwine and overlap, they reveal the melting away of the traditional dining room culture in America as a more efficient and progress-oriented society arises. The play features the work of a cast and crew composed of more than 40 talented Avon High School students. Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for students and senior citizens at the door starting one hour before show time."The Dining Room" is directed by eighth-year theatre teacher, Jill Paterson, who teaches at Avon High and Middle Schools. Joining her is technical director Ian Diedrich, who teaches technical theatre at Westover School and designs sets for the Thomaston Opera House. I am excited to be collaborating with a brilliant designer, shares Paterson. Audiences will be treated to performances by seniors Marcel Paige and Asa Jackson, both playing multiple contrasting roles. Breakout talent Brian Lybeck, also a senior, is joining the ranks, playing four distinct roles. Veteran AHS performer James Vicente will be featured in three roles. The talented Jules Dowling, after honing her skills through AHS theatre classwork, will be debuting her work on stage as Nancy and Kate. Rachel Allen will portray Aggie, the beloved Irish maid. The high schools Leading Player from last seasons Pippin, Abby Svelan, will demonstrate her versatility as she deftly approaches the role of Margery.Other performers masterfully handling multiple roles include Annika Mathias, Grace Allen, Charlotte Buth, Isabella Carvalho, Maggie Fowler, Sarah Obie, Iris Yu, Lucy Schwartz and Sam Mather. Julianne Good will play Carolyn to Nabeeha Fatimas Grace. Mary Ehrbar will stretch her skills as she takes on the role of an elderly woman facing dementia. Melody Grant will portray Sally and Allison Rinehart will be the Architect. To round out this collection of stars, AHS Theatre is thrilled to welcome a dynamic and eager collection of freshmen: Liam Alexe, Alec Corrado, Vinny Lupis, Lucia Newman and Toby Schwartz. The stage manager for the production is Neel Srinath; assistant is Emmaline Howe. Building and painting the set are Anisha Sharda, Em Barnes, Maya Krodel, Ruel Davis, Emmaline Howe and Sarah Obie. Props for the play are being managed by Lara Beckius. MaryGrace Bruder is heading up hair and makeup with a team that includes Aidyn Panczner and Alissa Mills. Lighting designer is Ruel Davis, and Spencer Lazarus is serving as the production's sound designer with the help of Anisha Sharda and Sarah Obie. Sharda will serve as deck captain, working with run crew member Em Barnes. The cast is working on finding and providing their own costumes with help from the hair and makeup department, along with cast member Rachel Allen.Themed concessions, car magnets and theatre-grams will be available during intermission for cash-only donations. Parent volunteers are helping with preparations. For information about the show, call 860-404-4745.

Authors

• A.R. Gurney