MIDDLETOWN
By Will Eno
Produced by Sticks and Stones Theatre
At Pacific Theatre
September 20 - October 6, 2024
Directed by Arthi Chandra and Jamie King
Featuring:
John Dodge Jay Clift
Mrs Swanson Melissa Oei
Librarian Anita Wittenberg
Mechanic Zac Scott
Cop Mike Wasko
G.Control/Freelancer/Landscaper/Attendant Kaitlyn Yott
Greg/Man on Date/Janitor Kevin Nguyen
Public Speaker/Male Tourist/Male Doctor Peter Anderson
Female Tourist/Woman on Date/Attendant Steffanie Davis
Tour Guide/Aunt/Female Doctor Lisa Goebel
Sweetheart Zoe Hirtle, Scout Lobo, Kazja Wallberg (alternating)
Librarian Understudy Corina Akeson
Creative Team:
Alaia Hamer Production Design
Alexandra Caprara Lighting Design
Matthew MacDonald-Bain Sound Design
Daniel O’Shea Projection Design
Keely O’Brien Projection Illustrator
Emma Hammond Stage Manager
Brynna Drummond ASM
Ruth Bruhn Production Manager
Zac Scott Producer
The Story:
Mary Swanson arrives in Middletown ready to start her family in a normal suburb. But her new neighbours see the surreal in the status quo and the outer bounds of the universe in their local garden patch. As Mary connects to her community via the magic and tragedy of ordinary experiences, Middletown dives into the big questions: what are beginnings? How should we end? And how are we supposed to deal with all the stuff in between?
The Buzz:
“Co-directed by Arthi Chandra and Jamie King, this production offers gorgeous design elements… But it’s the acting that really brings Eno’s script home. With a core company of 11 players, it’s a large ensemble, and the overall performance level is excellent” - Colin Thomas, Fresh Sheet
“It’s a risky play with a large cast of thirteen but, more to the point, under the co-direction of Sticks and Stones’ Jamie King and Arthi Chandra, Middletown is one of the most thought-provoking theatre pieces to grace a Vancouver stage for many months.” - Jo Ledingham, Theatre Reviews
“Melissa Oei is utterly convincing as a newcomer, as she transforms her character through various scenes. Jay Clift delivers a thoroughly committed performance as the troubled John.” - John Jane, Review Vancouver
PREVIEW: Here are 5 must-see plays opening in Vancouver in September - Jerry Wasserman, Vancouver Sun
PREVIEW: Ten fall theatre productions – new creations, revivals, musicals and more – that seem highly promising - J. Kelly Nestruck, Globe and Mail
Promo Images by Matt Reznek
Production Images by Chelsea Stuyt