‘Other Desert Cities’ runs through March 31
–Wine Country Theatre, in Paso Robles, presents ‘Other Desert Cities,’ staging through March 31 at the Park Ballroom in downtown Paso Robles. Jon Robin Baitz (writer and producer on such vehicles as The “West Wing”‘ and “Brothers and Sisters”) was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 2012 for this play, which is set in 2004 during the Iraq war when tensions are still high over the 9/11 attacks.
“Other Desert Cities” takes place in the Wyeth home in Palm Springs, California on Christmas Eve, 2004. Lyman and Polly Wyeth are old school Hollywood Republicans, friends and colleagues of the Reagans, Lyman worked as an actor, then ambassador under Reagan. Polly was a screenwriter with her sister Silda, a recovering alcoholic currently living in their home. Their adult daughter, Brooke, is returning home for the first time in six years after having suffered a nervous breakdown. Brooke is bearing the manuscript of her second novel for the family’s review before publication. Both Brooke and her younger brother Trip (a TV producer) have differing political and social views which they attempt to put aside for the holidays which they celebrate at the Country Club in Palm Springs.
It is what lurks beneath the surface of this family that is revealed, as some long-held family secrets come to light when Broke reveals the nature of her book. The play asks some important questions on family loyalty versus the writer’s quest for truth. But whose truth? And at what cost?
Starring John Laird, Mary-Ann Maloof, Christine Miller, Garrett Larsen and Cynthia Anthony, this well-rounded cast is directed by Elaine Fournier.
Shows are Fri and Sat evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. and one Thursday, March 29, evening performance. The location is the Park Street Ballroom, 1232 Park Street in Paso Robles. Wine, cheese plates and snacks are available for purchase before and during the show. For tickets go to the Wine Country Theatre website or call (800) 838-3006.
Comments
