Taking Leave, written by Nagle Jackson, will be presented by HACC TheatreWorks at the Rose Lehrman Arts Center Studio Theatre at Harrisburg Area Community College on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8 at 8pm.
Directed by Marnie Brennan, HACC Associate Professor of Theatre, Taking Leave is based on the playwright Jackson's own experience as caregiver to his aging mother. In this touching but never maudlin story, Professor Eliot Pryne, is in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease and visitations of his three daughters, Alma, Liz and Cordelia, form the central event of this oddly comic, yet fully sympathetic play. The professor, who is failing mentally, had once been a distinguished Shakespearean scholar, and references to "King Lear" run in counterpoint throughout the play.
Without trivializing a difficult problem, the play forcefully reminds the viewer of the professor's personhood. The decision - whether or not to have Father put in a "home" - provides the central conflict among the three very different sisters. Accented with Jackson's expert use of humor, this play nominated for Best Plays of 1998 by the American Drama Critics Association will have the audience laughing, weeping and finally standing and cheering.
According to Professor Brennan: "This is a play that clearly demonstrates that amid all of life's laughter and tears, life is happening and we should remember and celebrate it." Brennan also stresses that this play is not appropriate for children due to adult content and language. HACC Professor, James Terry of Mechanicsburg is cast in the role of Dr. Eliot Pryne. Eliot as story teller will be played by Steve Moulton from Lemoyne. The daughters' roles will be played by: Hope Washburne of Harrisburg as Alma; Kristie Grey of Mechanicsburg as Liz; and Jessika Peach of New Cumberland as Cordelia. Phyllis Vorodi of Mechanicsburg will take the part of Mrs. Fleming. Stage manager for this production is Rachael Matthews.
Costume designer is Brenda Eppley, HACC Associate Professor of Theatre. The play will be presented "in the round" with contemporary set design by Jiang-Chao Wang, complimented by lighting designed by HACC Theatre Scenic Designer, Lori Friedlander.
Taking Leave will be presented at the RLAC Studio Theatre at Harrisburg Area Community College, Wildwood Campus, on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8 at 8pm. Early reservations recommended. Tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for students (not recommended for children). RLAC Box Office phone is 717-231-ROSE (7673).