SRT features darker side of love with award winning drama

While a groundhog's timely appearance may predict the length of this year's winter weather, Salem Repertory Theatre's presentation of "Rabbit Hole" explores the dark days of grief experience by a couple.

The 2007 Pulitzer Prize winning play by David Lindsay-Abaire tells the story of Becca and Howie Corbett whose seemingly perfect lives are shattered by an accident. Directed locally by Michael Phillips, this production is meant to be an intensely honest portrayal of the dissemination of the couple's marriage following the tragedy.

Actors Tricia Ferguson and Ted deChatelet play the leads and connected deeply to their stage persona.

"Tricia and I each have children; we relate to these characters in a way that's so real, as an actor it's scary," deChatelet said.

Becca's younger sister Izzy is played by Greta Pauley, Raissa Fleming is Nat, and Andy Hillstrom playing Jason completes the five member cast.

Starting February 12, the show runs through March 1 on the theater's stage in Reed Opera House. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; Sunday matinees are scheduled for 2 p.m.

General admission tickets are on sale for $22 person, or $19 for seniors, students, and members of the military.

Summer children’s theater programs seeks enrollment

If the bright lights of a school stage just aren’t enough, Children’s Educational Theatre offers an additional outlet for local kids who seek an extra curricular means of creative expression.

Though classes, seminars, and production don’t begin until the summer, those parents who wish to re-enroll their children must do so by February 1st. However, beginning that same day, the theater company begins accepting applications for new students.

CET’s programs is designed for children in third through eighth grade, with additional seminar programs for highs school students. Four tracks exists for three different set of age group.

Their summer program includes a performing arts tracks for elementary aged children, third through sixth grade, who then are able to perform in one of five productions. A technical arts program is established for those in sixth grade and higher to teach backstage skills. For high school students, two summer seminars are available: a technical and a production seminar. In each of those sections, students receive one-half of a high school credit upon successful completion.

The program will run June 22 to July 25 at South Salem High School and the Howard Street Charter School.

Space is limited. To register contact the CET off at (503) 399-3398 or visit www.cetsalem.org. Limited scholarships may be available.

An affair of the heart

A scripted examination of life long relationship is brought to life, as couple with 38 years of marriage prepares to downsize and move into a small condo.

This drama/comedy aptly entitled "A Love Affair," by Jerry Mayer and directed by Miranda Prince, is set to take the stage at Albany Civic Theater February 6-21.

The Diamonds, Jerry and Alice, are played by two set of actors portraying their present life and their youth. Reflecting back on their years together, the couple observes and comments on each other and the transitions that make up their lives.

ACT's "Valentine's Day gift to the community," features Eric Jones and Kayla Nissen as Jimmy and Alice, with Randy Everitt and Claire Diehl playing the couple as well.

Suitable for teens and adults, "A Love Affair" tickets are available for purchase at the ACT box office, Sid Stevens Jewelers, and Rice's Pharmacy. General admission is $11 and $8 for children and seniors.

Evening shows begin at 8 p.m. and matinees starts at 2:30 p.m.