This weekend marks the opening of Ron Cowen’s Summertree, at the Three Notch Theater, performed by the Newtowne Players.
Director Brian Sekinger has dreamed of this moment for years, having performed the opening monologue of the Young Man in Summertree as a student at St. Mary’s College. As Sekinger read the play, he said he felt deeply connected to the relationships the Young Man left at home after joining the military.
Sekinger approached the Newtowne Players about producing Summertree last year as a senior project, but scheduling proved inconvenient.
Now, Sekinger brings the play to the stage of the Three Notch Theater, this weekend and next.
Summertree is a heartfelt play, going backward and forward in time, through the Young Man’s (played by Sekinger) relationships and memories of his well-meaning but obtuse father (Dimitrios Papadakis), his loving but possessive mother (Judy Angelheart) , and his compliant but unsentimental girlfriend (Sarah Fleming). A neighborhood boy (Dorian Burton) serves to remind the Young Man of simpler years. Orlando Taylor also stars in the play as a Soldier.
The story takes place in the Young Man’s parents’ backyard, an apartment he shares with his girlfriend, and a battlefield.
Originally written by Ron Cowen to represent the strain placed on families during the Vietnam War, Summertree was later rewritten to represent any soldier at any time, from any country. The play no doubt touches the hearts of audiences who have family members overseas fighting the country’s current battles.
The Newtowne Players will perform Summertree Fridays through Sundays, July 11 to July 20. Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m.; Sunday shows begin at 3:30 p.m.
Performances are held at Three Notch Theatre on 21744 South Coral Drive in Lexington Park. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and senior citizens, and $10 for children.
Summertree is produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service Inc.
You can make reservations for the show by calling (301) 737-5447 or visiting the website
at www.newtowneplayers.org.
Opening night, Friday, July 11, will have a special rate of only $10 for active duty, reserve and retired military and their dependents. ID is required for military discounts. Discount will be taken at the door.
