The time is the late 19th century when, under Queen Victoria's rule, war is raging. The place is Ludlow in County Shropshire, on the border of England and Wales.
This is an exquisite production from start to finish. The pacing of the story is perfect, the set and lighting evocative. The talented, ensemble cast of 16 brings life to the poetry of A,E. Housman.
Terrance Hearsay, a young aspiring writer, plans to spend a quiet evening in a pub, putting his thoughts to paper. He tosses away page after page.
He has seen much tragedy in his young life, and his cynicism is apparent.
The pub slowly fills with patrons, who have come to celebrate friendship, find love and share remembrances of those who have died.
The patrons and barkeeps attempt to engage Terrance and bring him out of his despondence.
Although the lusty barmaids, farmers, a murderer, injured veterans, young lovers, and wise older women all have their demons, like Terrance, they somehow put the ills of the world aside to celebrate life. Each shares their story, from broken hearts, to losing friends in battle, to growing old. They drink, they laugh, they dance and they sing.
"Our business here is not to live, but to live happily.”
Director Ara Barlieb has crafted a play of gentle beauty from an intimidating series of poems.
He and the cast show a tender sensitivity to Housman's words and takes the audience on a roller coaster of emotions.
Special mention must go to choreographer Sarah Thomas, who weaved traditional dances into the play, as well as musical director Rebecca Burroughs who brought in haunting ballads from the era.
I predict this original adaptation of A.E. Housman's poetry is destined to become a theatrical classic, performed in schools, both here and abroad, in the coming years.
This play is not just for lovers of theater and of poetry but for all who have become a little cynical with life. It restores our hope, and reminds us, as it reminds Terrance, that life is meant to be lived.
“A Shropshire Lad” CAST: Goran Zdravkovic, Dan Ferry, David Fox, Brian Keller, Scott VanNortwick, JR Rose, Chris Donahue, Rebecca Burroughs, Pamela Wallace, Nancy Mikkelsen, Sarah Thomas, Kayla Prestel, Kat Valleley, Patti Squire, Paula Klein and Libby Ross.Adapted for the stage and directed by Ara Barlieb; Produced by Ara Barlieb and Pamela McLean Wallace; Stage Manager: Alexandria Racines; Musical Director: Rebecca Burroughs; Choreographer: Sarah Thomas; Dialect Coach: Sharon Ferry; Costumes: Nancy Mikkelsen
World Premier of “A Shropshire Lad" through April 6. McCoole's Arts and Events Place, 10 S. Main St., Quakertown. Tickets: $18; $14, seniors; $10, students. Reservations strongly advised. 610-395-7176, http://www.ckplayers.com.