'Alone Together' An Empty Nest Refilled Comedy

Alone Together

Florida Repertory Theatre announced the Feb. 13th opening of it's next play, Alone Together, a retrofitted, comedy that takes audiences back to the colorful 1970s.

Alone Together tells the story of an empty nest that just won't stay empty, and answers the age-old question: What do you want your kids to be when they grow up? GONE!

"This is probably one of the funniest plays we've ever produced," said Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo, "and what parent out there can't relate to the feeling you get when you send that last child into the world, and you're finally alone?"

Alone Together tells the story of George and Helene Butler, and it unfolds as they send their third and final son off to college. Now that they're alone, they'll finally be able to live their dreams...take up painting, exotic vacations or maybe even make love by the fire. But those plans are quickly interrupted as not one, but all three of their sons come home unannounced.

The production stars Carrie Lund and Tad Ingram as George and Helene Butler, the parents under siege from returning progeny. Lund, a fixture at Florida Rep, was seen last in Dancing ant Lughnasa and Indian Blood, while it has been a few years since audiences have seen Ingram on the Arcade Stage.

"I am thrilled to be back. It's like coming home to visit family after you've been gone for a long time," says Ingram, whose past appearances at the Rep include Fools, The Mousetrap and the Pulitzer Prize winning Proof. "I've worked with so many of the people here before, and I feel very positive about it."

Joining Ingram and Lund as their three sons are, Jason Parrish, John Robert Warren and Trey Gerrald. Parrish (A Funny...Forum; Greetings!) plays Michael, now thirty, a disenfranchised MIT professor who's come home to find himself. Their middle son, Elliot, played by Warren (The Glass Menagerie; A Funny...Forum) finds his way back to the nest after his philandering ways cause trouble with his new bride, and Trey Gerrald (Born Yesterday; Schoolhouse Rock), as Keith, returns when his college trip is put on hold. Also in the cast is Mary-Margaret Roberts (Born Yesterday; Schoolhouse Rock), the scantily clad and vacantly adorable, Janie Johnson - an unexpected houseguest in the Butler home.

Associate Artistic Director, Chris Clavelli directs the production after directing The Glass Menagerie and appearances in Born Yesterday, Indian Blood and Dancing at Lughnasa. The play's creative team includes Bruce R. Bailey (set; Greetings!; Almost Maine), David M. Upton (lighting;Broadway Bound) and making her Rep debut with a 1970's costume design is costuming intern, Stefanie Genda.

"The play is so funny because the prospect really is terrifying to parents out there," Cacioppo finished, "you love your kids, but there comes a time when birthday and holiday visits are just what the doctor ordered."

Alone Together by Lawrence Roman plays at Florida Rep February 13th through March 8th, 2009. Performances are Tues. - Sat. at 8pm, with 2pm matinees on Wed., Sun. and selected Saturdays with special Twilight Performance at 7pm on Sunday, February 15th and 22nd.

Florida Rep is also pleased to announce a $10 preview performance of Alone Together on Thursday, February 12th at 8pm. Call or visit the box office for details.

Alone Together is sponsored by The News-Press.

Florida Repertory Theatre is located on Bay Street between Jackson and Hendry in the Historic Arcade Theatre in the Fort Myers River District. Subscriptions and single tickets are available through the Box Office at 239-332-4488. Or visit Florida Rep online at www.floridarep.org.

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