Arts & Entertainment

Opening Night at Forge Theatre: Peer Into the "Rabbit Hole"

Forge Theatre's latest production, "Rabbit Hole," opens Friday.

You won’t leave with a warm, fuzzy feeling, but you’ll leave satisfied—and questioning, in a good way.

Forge Theatre’s run of “Rabbit Hole,” based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, begins Friday and runs through March 12.

“The sign of success for us is if people are going out afterwards with questions,” said Aaron Gould, director. “The play is moving and emotional. It gives you something to talk about and think about afterward.”

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With a five-character cast, the play focuses around grief. However, just as in real life, there are hints of humor as the characters deal with loss.

“Even in some of life’s darkest moments, we kind of latch on to humor,” said Jeff Cronin, assistant director.

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The sparse set in the black box theater allows the audience to home in on the characters of “Rabbit Hole” without distraction. The set floats, and two sets of stairs add to the drama. Each prop has a place in the play.

“Everything you see on stage gets touched,” Gould said. “It’s a beautiful set. It’s done really well, but it’s not really about the set. The idea is it’s a play about the five characters.”

In the Arden Theatre’s production of “Rabbit Hole,” Deb Braak, who plays Nat, was working as an understudy for the same character at the Arden. One of the nights Braak took on the role, Gould trekked down to see the show. Braak, however, had different ideas about the role she played.

“She really wanted to do the role her way,” Gould said. “It’s completely different. It’s surprising how different it is.”

While the play does have dark moments (and some strong language), the natural dialogue and character development aim to rope in the audience.

“It’s kind of heavy, but it’s not totally beginning to end depressing,” Gould said. “The dialogue is just brilliant.”

The actors lightened the mood of the play during rehearsal. On Wednesday, they performed the entire play in Italian scenes— done very quickly and with some exaggeration. Each actor and actress had to say every word of the script, but motions and dialogue were sped up. As they rushed through the blocking, at times theater members watching from the seats broke into giggles.

“Doing the Italian scenes helps you discover some more of those lighter moments,” Gould said.

“Rabbit Hole” has also been made into a feature film, and actress Nicole Kidman garnered an Oscar nod for her performance. Those working on the Forge production debated the effect of Oscar buzz, joking that they helped nominate Kidman. For those that plan to see the movie, the Forge production will be distinctive.

“The movie is a different animal,” Gould said.

For Friday’s opening night, the theater offers up wine and cheese before the play. Show up early, because if you don’t get something to eat, you’ll be hungry during the show. The characters munch on food and sip drinks throughout the performance.

Also, following the matinee March 6, cast and crew will take part in a discussion with certified psychodramatist and local actress Lauren Rozensky Flanagan. The discussion will center on the emotions stirred by the play.

If You Go:

Location: 241 First Ave., Phoenixville

Performances: Feb. 25 and Feb. 26, March 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 at 8 p.m.; matinee March 6 at 2 p.m.

Cost: Tickets for “Rabbit Hole” are $12 for adults and $10 for students 18 and under.

Purchasing tickets: Call the box office at 610-935-1920 or go online to purchase tickets.

Parking: In accordance with Forge Theatre’s good neighbor policy, avoid parking on First Avenue. Members suggest parking in the lot at Washington and Main streets.

Play info: "Rabbit Hole” was written by David Lindsay-Abaire. The Forge Theatre production stars Heather Reese, DeeDee Mann, Eric Jarrell, Deb Braak and Kevin Farrell.

More information: Check out Forge Theatre’s Web site for upcoming shows, audition and volunteer info and more. Take a look at the show page for more information on “Rabbit Hole.”


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