Gurney's LATER LIFE to Play Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs

The Center for the Performing Arts in Bonita Springs will present A. R. Gurney's dark comedy Later Life, April 6-9 at the Moe Auditorium and Film Center, directed by Catalina Monterrosa.

This is the second time Monterrosa has directed the play. "For me, this play is about second chances and the ability for us to evolve as human beings within our own lifetime. Fear of change grips most human beings. The ability to grasp onto joy and new possibilities is rare but so critical as we mature in age." Monterrosa also once played the role of Ruth, a role she credits with changing her path from a career in advertising to making her theatrical return.

Set in a 1993 Boston penthouse, Later Life tells the story of Austin as he rekindles a decades-old romance with Ruth (Elizabeth D'Onofrio). Their friends rally around in hopes that Ruth will lift Austin from his life-long dread of impending doom. Like Gurney's The Dining Room, The Cocktail Hour, and regional favorite Love Letters, his penchant for painful human comedy is on full display.

Austin is played by Terry Bangs, a retired Air Force pilot and resident of Libertyville, Illinois, when not wintering in Bonita Springs. Elizabeth D'Onofrio tackles the role of Ruth. D'Onofrio has worked in film, television and stage for more than 30 years.

John Corrigan and Linda Mizeur each play multiple roles. This will be Canadian Corrigan's first "international" role. Mizeur is no stranger to Naples stages including the recent Stage It! 10-Minute Play Festival. Judy Koloski (Big Arts Community Theatre), Beverly Canell, and Jodie Fox round out the cast.

Set design and construction is by Center sculpting teacher Giuseppe Corrado Smith who is also Master Carpenter at the Sugden Theatre in Naples. His credits include Moon Over Buffalo, A Glass Menagerie, Noises Off, and Seascape. Dr. Richard Marcott and John Corrigan will assist with construction. Simon Kaplan is serving as Stage Manager and sound and lights will be handled by Martin Towne III and Dominic Vigliotti. Special music was recorded and performed for the production by Chuck Jobes.

LATER LIFE performs Thursday through Sunday, April 6-9 at 8:00pm, and April 8 & 9 at 3:00pm, at Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road. TICKETS are $25. Tickets can be purchased at the Center's website or by calling 239-495-8989.

http://www.artcenterbonita.org

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