Patricia Nicklin (Julia), Brad Sperber (Richard), and Christine Tankersley (Jill) star in the Aldersgate Church Community Theater production of “Night Sky,” which opens Sept. 25 and runs through Oct. 13. www.acctonline.org
Night Sky, an original drama by playwright Patricia Connelly, will make its debut Sept. 27 on stage at Aldersgate Church Community Theater.
Night Sky is a family drama with humor about the bonds of family, friendship, and the inescapable changes brought on by aging as Julia, a woman in her 70s, attempts to hold onto her home, her independence, and life as she knows it.
“As a playwright, I am drawn to tell the stories of women and girls who are driven to overcome the obstacles that society unfairly places in their paths simply because of gender,” Connelly said.
Connelly began writing Night Sky after reading news stories about people losing their homes to foreclosure during the economic crisis.
“I also read about working class people who lost jobs and savings because of the downturn in the market,” Connelly added.
The central character in Night Sky is Julia, a woman in her 70s living in the South Bronx. Despite being healthy and still working, Julia is suddenly forced to face the loss of her home due to circumstances beyond her control. As people around Julia make assumptions and try to make decisions for her, Julia, with her indomitable will, remains determined to move forward independently and on her own terms.
The cast of Night Sky features Patricia Nicklin as Julia, Christine Tankersley as Julia’s daughter Jill, Kate Ives as her friend Doris, Amelie Chirhart as Julia’s granddaughter Sam, and Brad Sperber as Richard.
“Julia has lived in the Bronx for over 50 years,” said Nicklin of her character. “She is a young 72, full of energy, spirit, and a bit of moxie, which she brings to her long-time job at a diner, to her stargazing visits with her granddaughter, Sam, and to her nightly card games with her best friend, Doris. Suddenly, Julia's life is buffeted by dramatic changes — both societal and personal — affecting her family life, her home, and her work. But she is bold and determined not to let the expectations of others control her.”
Executive producer of Night Sky is Marg Soroos with Margaret Chapman and Bobbie Herbst as producers. Award-winning Joanna Henry is directing.
“This is a story about life,” Henry said. “It is about the difficulties, the joys, and the unexpected challenges life throws at us. It also focuses on the different dynamics between mothers and daughters, friends, employers. We can all identify with what is unfolding on the stage and recognize a part of us in these characters, whether a teenager looking for a shooting star, a mother trying to cope with personal struggles, a diner owner re-evaluating life, a neighbor wishing to be closer to family, or a grandmother facing the sunset of life while looking for the North Star. Night Sky is a metaphor for life with all its imperfections.”
Tankersley plays Jill, Julia's daughter and mother to teenage Sam. “Jill is in a position so many people are in these days,” said Tankersley. “She struggles with giving both her mother and daughter the independence they need, but still trying to keep them safe. She is doing the best she can to make sure everyone is safe and taken care of but not everyone always agrees on the best way to do that.”
Added Connelly, “My hope is that audiences appreciate and take away from the play the resilience of the ageless human spirit, a recognition of the importance of family and friendship at all ages, and a deeper understanding of the meaning of home.”
“Night Sky” is playing Sept. 27 through Oct. 13 at Aldersgate Church Community Theater, 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria, VA 22308. For tickets or more information visit www.acctonline.org.