by Claudia Carroll
World Premiere
May 26-June 11, 2022
Preview May 25
Evening Shows 7:30
Matinees 2:30
Directed by John P. Kelly
Stage Manager: Val Bogan
Lighting Designer: David Magladry
Featuring:
Rachel Eugster as Jayne
Robin Guy as Susan
Introducing Isabelle Kabbouchi as Melissa
Guaranteed distanced seating Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and all matinees.
Capacity may be increased for Friday and Saturday evening performances.
Patrons holding tickets for those performances will be notified if seating is increased, and given an opportunity to change their seats to a guaranteed-distanced performance
A woman is like a tea bag. You can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.
–Eleanor Roosevelt
Welcome to Primrose Square, where it’s impossible to work out whether you’re living in a fishbowl or a menagerie. All human life is here; love and heartbreak, tragedy and loss, sex, lies, and don’t forget outdoor Pilates classes on the Square, followed by chai lattes to go.
At number eighteen, there’s Susan, who spends her nights standing out on the street in pitch darkness outside an eighteen-year-old boy’s home, staring, just staring up at his bedroom window. She’s no deranged stalker though. She’s just an ordinary woman dealing with the unimaginable the only way she knows how.
Then there’s her daughter Melissa, fifteen years of age and desperately trying to keep up some semblance of normality at home. But with her mother acting like a crazy lady and the bitchiness of the bullies in school, what chance has she?
Right next door is Jayne, sixty-something years young, Pollyanna-positive and determined to squeeze every last drop of enjoyment out of life. Normally she takes a kind, almost grandmotherly care of young Melissa, but as the play opens, she has other matters on her mind.
‘I’ve got news,’ she tells her son Jason and his awful wife, over a family dinner. ‘Big news.’
She’s all excited and hopes they’ll be happy for her.
They’re not though.
Jayne drops the bombshell and the ensuing row can be heard from the far side of the Square.
But she holds firm.
Because you’re never too old to start really living, now are you?
Content warning: mature/sensitive subject matter
Run time 90 minutes. No intermission
Here’s what folx are saying about The Secrets of Primrose Square:
“…the way that Carroll navigates these issues and still leaves the audience with an overarching positive message is what makes this play a rousing success.” Broadway World
“…cast was simply incredible…Guy stood out to me with an impassioned performance as the desperately flawed and agonized Susan. To see her character’s evolution…was a treat.” Apt613
“.. Kabbouchi delivers a blistering performance that leaves the theatre rocking!.” Apt613
“(John P Kelly) saw potential in the script…(and) brought that potential to fruition at The Gladstone.” Apt613
TICKETS
Regular: $40
Regular(65+): $36
Student/Artist/Unwaged/Preview: $25
Prices shown include taxes and fees
Please be advised that Italian Week runs from June 9-19. This means parts of Preston Street will be closed off at various times. Plan accordingly when you come to the theatre.
