In three short acts, Noah Haidle's play "Smokefall" tells the story of three generations of a middle-American family that lives in Grand Rapids, Mich. You might easily mistake them for being "typical" at first, but thanks to Haidle's fertile imagination and his willingness to set aside the conventions of the realistic play, this family and its story are full of surprises.
This endearing drama tells the story of three generations of an eccentric Midwestern family on the verge of big changes. Two new souls are about to enter the world. Time present, time past and time future converge as family members await the arrival of Violet's twin babies. The promise of new life is in the air-but so is the inevitability of change. Magical and tragic, funny and fascinating, paradoxical and profound, with surprises at every turn, Haidle's tale offers a lyrical meditation on the mystery and fragility of life.
As morning breaks, The Colonel says: "It's a Monday in mid-autumn...We're a family again on this newest day." The "family" in question includes Violet, who is pregnant; and Beauty, her daughter who eats odd things (like dirt).
The narrator - a nod to Our Town - notes that, "Violet is pregnant with twins. Due any day now. Two boys. The twins are mistakes and [they] suspect as much." As Violet sings, talks and cajoles her twins, they tend to be a bit philosophical about everything.
Join us for the world premiere of Smokefall tonight, March 29 - April 28, 2013.
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