The Ridgefield Theater Barn’s 'An Evening of One Acts'—A Must-See Production
Now halfway through its 60th season, the Ridgefield Theater Barn has just two weekends left of its wonderful An Evening of One Acts, and I highly recommend finding a way to attend. If you're anything like me, in this topsy-turvy, uncertain world, one-act plays are just what the doctor ordered—long enough to engage, but not so long that my mind drifts back into the swirling thoughts of the day. It’s a bit like getting lost in Facebook “Reels,” but in real life, with real people, sharing the experience together.
Unlike scrolling through short clips online, this evening has been carefully curated by real people—an ensemble of passionate theater-makers who have expertly guided us on a journey through humor, poignancy, and reflection. For a moment, the self-defenses the world demands of us can be lowered, and we can simply enjoy.
This year’s One Acts Committee, led by Chairperson Paulette Layton, along with Mark Hankla, Timothy Huber, Nancy Ponturo, and Bill Warncke, has assembled a remarkable selection of original, unpublished plays, each hitting just the right notes at just the right time.
Much like a well-curated gallery exhibit, the production takes the audience through a variety of scenarios, filled with smart dialogue and humor. In one-act plays, every line, every movement, and every gesture must serve the story—there is no room for excess.
Overall, the plays are well-acted, well-directed, and explore a range of styles and subjects. If I had to define a central theme for the evening, I would say: In times of change, our authentic selves are stronger than we think—trust them and embrace the change. But, as with all great theater, themes are subjective, shaped by what each audience member brings to the experience. What remains constant is the magical elixir of talent—from the playwrights and actors to the directors, designers, and stage managers—creating a space where each of us can find our own meaning in the moment.
A Look at the Evening’s Highlights
The night kicks off with Stay Golden, written by Jessica Moss and directed by Carin Zakes, featuring Bruce Apar (Gordon), Robin Browne (Cleo), Deborah Carlson (Rosalie), Marcy Sansolo (Patricia), and Denise Hubbard (Diane). This absurdist comedy immediately sets the tone, with the ensemble working seamlessly to build a strong arc of action. Without giving too much away, it’s not about the kind of gold you might be thinking. Beneath the laughter, the play subtly raises questions about longevity and what it truly means to live.
Two standout plays that struck a deep personal chord were Right Field of Dreams by Stephan Kaplan and Sea Change by Lucas Hasten.
In Right Field of Dreams, directed by Danielle Roth, Liam Gallary (Timmy) and Matt Donavan (Coach/Dad) bring to life a scene that could have been pulled straight from my own life. Add in Laurie Schaefer Fenton as the ghost of a famous female baseball star, and the result is a beautifully executed piece set in the outfield of a little league game. The actors hit every emotional beat perfectly—never overdoing it or rushing. It was impressive. If only my own story had turned out as well as Timmy’s.
Meanwhile, Sea Change, directed by Marilyn Olsen, features Craig David Rosen (Dan) and Katie Kelly (Bobbi) as two clownfish in an aquarium. Their impeccable comedic timing and fluid movement bring a mesmerizing rhythm to the play. In one-act theater, every breath and syllable must be intentional, and these two execute it flawlessly.
In A Flicker, Michael Bud (Person A) and Bill Warncke (Person B) navigate the complexities of male bonding and shared grief, skillfully balancing humor and vulnerability. Their heartfelt performances leave you wanting more—perhaps another act?
More Notable Moments
In The Objection Seat by Scott Mullen, directed by Pia Haas, Laurie Schaefer Fenton (Mary) and Angela Armand (Kat) deliver a hilarious take on bonding and self-discovery. Though the man they speak of never appears on stage, their dialogue alone makes you want to meet him.
Then there’s the brilliantly comedic One of the Great Ones by Chris Widney, directed by Matt Pagliaro, starring Elayne Gordon (Enid Stump), Lucy Manos (Lee), Katie Kelly (Jamie), and David Michael Tate (Hank). Set against the backdrop of a scavenger hunt in the New York Public Library, the play is a joyride filled with clever humor and a heartwarming reminder of the dedication and humanity of librarians. Every actor delivers their punchlines with precision, making for an utterly delightful experience.
Juliet Wakes Up, written by Laura Neill and directed by Nancy Ponturo, takes Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet in a hilariously unexpected direction. Lucy Manos (Juliet) storms in, covered in blood with a blade in hand, as Rosaline (Danielle Fitzsimmons) hilariously unpacks the situation. Colleen White (Willow) and Matt Donovan (Romeo) round out this post-Me Too reimagining, which Shakespeare himself would surely approve of. Every moment is sharp, smart, and laugh-out-loud funny.
Finally, Hornswaggle, a classic pirate melodrama written by James Nelson and directed by David Fritsch, features Eric Novak (Cogs), Allison Valentino (Scuzzy), and Michael Ferrara (Bilges). While I’m personally not the biggest fan of pirate melodramas (perhaps due to overexposure in high school), the cast delivers an energetic and entertaining performance.
Behind the Scenes
A huge shout-out to the incredible production team, without whom this magic wouldn’t exist:
- Production Manager: Paulette Layton
- Stage Manager: Tina Morrissette
- Assistant Stage Manager: Jean Mazzelli
- Lighting Designer: Mark Hankla
- Sound Designer: Addis Engel
These professionals bring the magic of live theater to life, ensuring every cue, transition, and effect enhances the storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Take the time to see An Evening of One Acts. Allow yourself to laugh, reflect, and be transported. You’ll walk away feeling lighter, more connected, and perhaps even with a new perspective. And let’s be honest—we could all use that right now.
The Ridgefield Theatre Barn is located at 37 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield, CT 06877. Call 203-431-9850
Remaining shows: Friday, March 14 at 8 PM & Saturday, March 15 at 8 PM