By Tom Nissley
The Town Players of New Canaan have just begun performances of Lucy Prebble’s “THE EFFECT.” You can get tickets for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm this week and next by calling 203-594-3636. “THE EFFECT” has been carefully directed by Tyler Small, who considers it more modern in style than many shows we’re used to, and one that raises ethical questions for our everyday world.
The key one, in this instance, is can our emotions be manipulated by the pills assigned to us by doctors or therapists, and is that a good or bad idea? Lots to discuss, so be sure not to miss it.
Two points to look for. Ms. Prebble borrowed directly from the moment of the kiss in the Lunt-Fontanne classic “The Great Sebastians,” when Lynn Fontanne declares she’s just really read someone’s mind and then delivers a key for his handcuffs to Alfred Lunt during a goodbye kiss.
The other is when Liam Sweeney (as Tristan) struggles but then remembers how to tie a shoelace when he’s dealing with transitory amnesia. Watch for each of these. They happen quickly.
The other big news in the not to be missed category is Curtain Call’s exciting production of “COME FROM AWAY,” which plays in the Kweskin Theatre Thursday thru Saturday from 9/11 (!) to October 4. You already know the story of how 38 airplanes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland during the 9/11 emergency and their 7,000 passengers were welcomed and cared for by people who lived there. “COME FROM AWAY” is a musical with a folk-inspired score. Get tickets by calling 203-461-6358.
Also at Curtain Call, in the Dressing Room Theatre, beginning on September 19, we’ve a chance to see “THE 39 STEPS,” a zany comedy masterpiece that projects something like 150 characters played by a cast of only four! Yes – Alfred Hitchcock. Plan on it. Runs through October 5. Again, 203-461-6358.
