Arnold Meister traveled to New York to see Jon Robin Baitz play “Other Desert Cities” on Broadway in the summer of 2012. “I really was impressed with the play, not only the acting but the writing,” he said. “Excellent, excellent
Arnold Meister traveled to New York to see Jon Robin Baitz play “Other Desert Cities” on Broadway in the summer of 2012.
“I really was impressed with the play, not only the acting but the writing,” he said. “Excellent, excellent writing.”
Now, the well known Kauai resident will tackle the play as its director. He describes it as “one of the finest plays of recent years” — one he had to bring back to Kauai.
Starting tonight, “Other Desert Cities” will run for three weekends at the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse. Following tonight’s opening performance will be a reception with the director and actors. Refreshments will be served.
Meister said the play is a comedy-drama, which takes a turn and ends with a revelation.
“It starts out lighthearted, but as time goes by you learn that the daughter is going to publish a book that talks about the family history,” Meister said. “There is a secret in the family history and she is going to reveal a part of it.”
The play was performed on Broadway in 2011 and was a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
The action takes place on Christmas Eve at the Palm Springs home of Lyman and Polly Wyeth where the family has gathered, according to a release. It revolves around daughter Brooke’s announcement that she is about to publish a memoir, much to the distress of her parents.
Featured in the Kauai production are Jennifer Downs (Brooke Wyeth), Ron Wood (Lyman Wyeth), Laurel Petterson-McGraw (Silda Grauman, Polly’s sister), Caleb Davis (Trip Wyeth, Polly & Lyman’s son) and Dottie Bekeart (Polly Wyeth).
“I think (they’re) some of Kauai’s finest actors,” said Meister of his cast, adding that Downs is a former high school student of his.
Performances of “Other Desert Cities” begin at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets cost $20, $15 opening weekend, with discounts available for seniors, students and Kauai Community Players members.
To purchase tickets, visit www.kauaicommunityplayers.org or call Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 838-3006.
