Westport Country Playhouse will stage “And a Nightingale Sang,” a love story surrounding a working-class British family during World War II. Written by C. P. Taylor, and directed by David Kennedy, Playhouse associate artistic director, the play will run June 9 – 27. The title is based on the 1940s popular song, “And a Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” which, among other music of the war years, is included in the play.
"This is a brilliant play, warm, funny, and tender in equal measure, full of wonderfully eccentric characters and extraordinarily lifelike situations,” said Kennedy. “Taylor has such a remarkable talent for rendering complicated people. It's a gift for actors and directors to bring to life, and for audiences to behold. I cannot wait to share this with our patrons."
“And A Nightingale Sang” is set in Northern England from 1939 to 1945. As the world rushes toward the brink of war, the Stott family copes on the home front. At the center of this domestic chaos is Helen, the resigned-spinster daughter, who finds herself unexpectedly awakened to the possibilities of love by a soldier on leave.
With its richly drawn characters, depth of humanity, and gentle humor, “And a Nightingale Sang” is a moving portrait of the perseverance and growth of the human spirit during times of personal and historic unrest.
Brenda Meaney plays the plain, self-deprecating Helen Stott. Her regional theater credits include “Indian Ink,” “Venus in Fur,” and “The Caucasian Chalk Circle.”
The cast also includes Sean Cullen as George Stott, Helen’s father, who sings popular songs as an escape from the world turmoil. Cullen was in Westport Country Playhouse’s “David Copperfield,” and Broadway’s “Golden Boy,” “South Pacific,” and “Coram Boy.”
Matthew Greer is cast as Norman, a soldier on leave who takes an interest in Helen. Greer appeared last season at Westport Country Playhouse in “Things We Do for Love.” He was on Broadway in “Cabaret,” “The Real Thing,” and “The Judas Kiss.”
Richard Kline portrays Andie, Helen’s grandfather, who enjoys life to the fullest. He was a series regular on “Three’s Company” as Larry, and appeared on Broadway in “City of Angels,” and in the films “Liberty Heights” and “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.”
Jenny Leona is cast as Joyce Stott, Helen’s younger sister, whose hasty marriage to Eric leaves her deeply conflicted. She was in Off-Broadway’s “Fire. Water. Night,” and Long Wharf Theatre’s “Our Town” and “The Underpants.”
Deirdre Madigan plays Peggy Stott, Helen’s mother, the glue that holds her family together. Madigan was in Westport Country Playhouse’s “A Few Good Men” and “A Marriage Minuet,” and Broadway’s “A Delicate Balance” and “Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf.”
John Skelley plays Eric, Joyce’s new husband, a proud though ineffective soldier. Skelley’s Off-Broadway credits include “Hamlet” in the title role, and “Romeo and Juliet.” He was a 2014 Theater Hall of Fame Emerging Artist Fellow.
Playwright C.P. (Cecil Philip) Taylor, author of more than 70 plays, was born in Scotland in 1929 and spent his last 20 years in Northumberland, in Newcastle-on-Tyne. He was closely associated with the Live Theatre Company for which he wrote “And a Nightingale Sang” in 1977. He also wrote “Bring Me Smiles” and “Good.” In 1981, C.P. Taylor died suddenly at the age of 52.
Director David Kennedy is in his seventh season as Playhouse associate artistic director. He has directed Playhouse productions each season, including “Suddenly Last Summer,” and “Loot.” He was previously with Dallas Theater Center, and was founding artistic director of The Lunar Society in Toronto and Milkman Theatre Group in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The design team includes Lisa Gajda and Mary Ann Lamb, choreographers; Kristen Robinson, scenic design; Michael Krass, costume design; Matthew Richards, lighting design; and Fitz Patton, sound design.
“And a Nightingale Sang” performance schedule is Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2 and 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Special series feature Taste of Tuesday, Previews, LGBT Night OUT, Opening Night, Sunday Symposium, Open Captions, Thursday TalkBack, Together at the Table Family Dinner, Playhouse Young Professionals, and Backstage Pass.
“And a Nightingale Sang” Production Sponsors are Johnna G. Torsone and John McKeon. Production Partner is the Eunice & David Bigelow Foundation.
2015 4-play subscriptions are now available. Subscribers receive a host of benefits not afforded to single ticket buyers, including significant savings, priority seating, free and easy ticket exchanges, and restaurant discounts. Flex passes are also now available for those seeking a more flexible option, and can be redeemed for any show, any time. Single tickets start at $30; buy early for best prices.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.westportplayhouse.com or or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), follow on Twitter (@WCPlayhouse), and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).