Theatre II explores family relations
‘Eleemosynary’ provides plenty of raw emotion
By Lindsay Casale, contributing writer
Posted on February 5, 2007

Although audience members may have trouble pronouncing its name, they certainly won’t have any trouble relating to the universal themes presented in Theatre II’s latest production, “Eleemosynary.”

Written by Lee Blessing, “Eleemosynary” is at its core a glimpse into family relationships and how they ultimately shape individuals into adults.

The Stratford Players’ production of “Eleemosynary” is directed by senior Kourtney Merricks. The cast is small — comprised of three female actors. The characters include Dorothea, played by senior Michelle Crouse, Artie, played by junior Lauren Meyer and Echo, played by junior McLean Fletcher.

“Our cast works great together. Everyone is fun and easy to work with — and smart,” Crouse said of the cast’s dynamic.

Merricks had similarly kind things to say about her three-person cast.

“I am so lucky to work with such talented actors,” Merricks said. “They all take direction well.”

Blessing’s play focuses on the three women of the Wesbrook family: Dorothea, her daughter Artie and her granddaughter Echo. Through illness, separation and general familial dysfunction, the characters come to discover new facets of their respective relationships.

“I was attracted to this play because the relationships are dysfunctional, but through this dysfunction something beautiful appears,” Merricks said. “I want the audience to gain a sense of appreciation for how their family relationships have shaped them into who they are.”

In this production, the actors were faced with the challenge of creating a sense of realism while conveying some rather intense themes.

“Channeling attributes of my parents and putting them together helped me a great deal in shaping my character,” Crouse said of her personal experience of preparing to play Dorothea.

The production will prove to be simple yet effective, carrying its impact in heartfelt dialogue and the significant interactions between family members.

“Through this production I want the audience to gain a realization of how every relationship in a family is different,” Merricks said. “But that in the same sense, there are a lot of things that individual family relationships share.”

“Eleemosynary” provides well-wrought emotions that all audience members will relate to and appreciate.

 “Audience members can expect to laugh a little, cry a little and hopefully take away a message of hope and acceptance,” Crouse said.

“Eleemosynary” runs Feb. 6 to Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. in Theatre II, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Tickets will be on sale today from 4 to 7 p.m. and two hours before the shows.