Scripps Ranch Theatre Presents “Chapatti”
Scripps Ranch Theatre (SRT) continues Season 44 with “Chapatti” by Christian O’Reilly, directed by Christopher Williams. The production runs Friday, February 2 through Sunday, February 25, 2024 on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Romance is a distant memory for two lonely animal-lovers living in Dublin. When forlorn Dan and his dog Chapatti cross paths with the amiable Betty and her nineteen cats, an unexpected spark begins a warm and gentle story about two people re-discovering the importance of human companionship. The talented cast includes Robert May as Dan and Grace Delaney as Betty.
Director, Christopher Williams, shared. “I’m grateful to be returning to SRT to direct the heartfelt, Irish play, “Chapatti.” What appeals to me most about the play is the honesty of O’Reilly’s characters. The two strangers have lost the loves in their lives and are questioning what’s left for them in the world. With practical dialogue and direct address to the audience, there’s a feeling of sitting in the kitchen and listening to a friend struggle to find their new path. O’Reilly almost beckons the audience to verbally advise these two souls.
A ‘two-hander’ is always challenging, so you need great actors to take us on the journey. Thankfully, we have two marvelous talents in Grace Delaney and Robert May. I’ve had the pleasure of working with both in the past. I worked with Grace almost 20 years ago when she was a student of the Actor’s Academy at MiraCosta College and I directed Robert as Governor Ned Newly in “The Outsider” last season. Both actors are adept and have huge hearts to share, which is crucial for their upcoming roles.
I’m excited to work with a mostly new design team to me. I find it very inspiring to work with artists that have their own ideas and enjoy collaboration. The conversations we’ve had thus far assure me that we’ll have great visions to share.
I believe this play will speak to many of us that have felt a sense of loneliness, especially coming out of the pandemic lockdowns, but looking with hope to what could be next and where we could find true companionship. And for us animal lovers out there, O’Reilly layers in a little extra with very familiar and relatable bonds to our four-legged friends.”
Christopher Williams’ talented production team includes Stage Manager Tim Benson, Producer Ruth Russell, Set Designer Tony Cucuzzella, Props Design/Set Dressing Morgan Zwonitzer, Lighting Designer Deanna Tretheway, Sound Designer Ted Leib, Costume Designer Marcene Drysdale and Sensitivity/Intimacy Director D. Candis Paule.
Helmed by Artistic Director, Jill Drexler, Scripps Ranch Theatre produces a mainstage season in their intimate 118 seat space. SRT strives to share stories that engage the heart and mind. To learn more, visit www.scrippsranchtheatre.org
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