Seacoast Repertory Theatre Presents THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE, 5/4

During the month of May at Seacoast Repertory Theatre, four well-known local actors explore these impulses in British playwright Alan Ayckbourn's probing, emotional comedy THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE.

Starring Carolyn Hause, Jamie Bradley, Bill Humphreys*, and Cathy McKay, the show's all-star local cast heaves itself onto The Rep's stage for this hilarious and occasionally heavy bedroom farce. Hardworking professional Barbara (Hause) has offered to rent out the top-floor flat of her house to her best friend Nikki (McKay) while Nikki and her newest fiancé Hamish (Bradley) finalize plans for their new home. Alone and loveless her whole life, middle-aged Barbara must cope with the constant, overflowing happiness of her long-time best friend. Shortly after her guests' arrival, Barbara finds herself inescapably attracted to Hamish and painful hilarity ensues. Meanwhile, the soft-spoken downstairs tenant Gilbert (Humphreys) is secretly infatuated with Barbara. The house is thrown into further chaos when the scope of this meek, well-intentioned postal worker's love is revealed. The night's many twists and odd, emotional turns are underscored by Ayckbourn's masterfully rich dialogue and signature character-driven storytelling.

The Rep's stage has been transformed into a three-level Victorian marvel. Scenic designer Dane Leeman and production manager Billy Butler's set stands to be one of the most interesting in The Rep's recent history. Director CJ Lewis says "This piece is something special. Every seat in the house is going to offer a unique perspective into this little universe. The play's style and roots in farce allow us to have fun with what we and these characters hear a lot of the time and might not see. We wouldn't be surprised by repeat visitors on this one. Not only are these actors an absolute blast to watch and are injecting these characters with a lot of pathos, but depending on where you sit, every night you're going to discover something new."

Things We Do For Love opens May 4th and runs Thursday through Sunday till May 27th. To buy tickets, contact The Rep's Box Office at 603.433.4472, visit in person at 125 Bow Street, Portsmouth, NH, or visit online at www.seacoastrep.org.

More Articles by This Author...