Used courtesy of NJ Repertory Company
Friendships change as we get older but secrets may remain
Sometimes we are lucky to have friends we grew up with who continue to be in our lives when we are adults. Those relationships give us a dependable source of friendship and memories to be enjoyed and cherished. But what happens when secrets have been held back from a friend? And what if those secrets are deceptive and damaging? Look for answers to these issues in a new play by James Hindman titled Multiple Family Dwelling. The play began its World Premiere at the New Jersey Repertory Company theater in Long Branch, NJ on March 9 and it continues running through April 9, 2017.
Alan Souza directs Multiple Family Dwelling. It features two friends, Kelly and Tia, who grew up together. We first meet them in the home of Kelly and her husband James. Tia has recently become engaged to Stuart and they are discussing plans to move into an apartment which is upstairs in Kelly’s and James’ home. But there are some very rough aspects of Stuart’s personality that begin to emerge and the plans for them to move in are cancelled.
As the story progresses, we learn about how the neighborhood is infested with drug dens bringing in a rough element of people. Kelly starts to fear for the safety of her daughter who walks to school through these areas. She finally acknowledges to James that she is not pleased with the house and doesn’t want to continue to live there. He continues to try to sell her on the fact that this investment will pay off for them as the neighborhood transition will eventually occur. Kelly isn’t sure she can last through it. She suddenly realized there are many things she has allowed to happen and isn’t pleased at all. But it is only when a secret that has been held by Tia and James comes out that Kelly grabs the courage to start to become her own person. And that is the beginning of change for all the characters.
This is a perplexing story to watch unfold. You get the sense that something just isn’t right but it takes awhile to figure out. The truth that does come out is quite startling and might surprise you. Kelly gets taken advantage of throughout most of the show but it is done quite subtly so you don’t build a lot of sympathy for her. But when the truth comes out, you will applaud the actions she took. Tia’s character is well developed and fascinating to watch. At first, one might guess her to be the victim, but as the story unfolds, you realize she has been the instigator of a lot of the problems besetting the group and other people mentioned in the play. Although James appears to be the mover of the couple, he is not as strong as one might think. Lastly, Stuart is not the nasty one as it first seems but watch how he carefully pieces together the past and helps to bring it out.
The cast includes: Dana Brooke , Dustin Charles, Maria Couch, and Jared Michael Delaney.
The production team includes: Jessica Parks (Scenic Design), Jill Nagle (Lighting Design), Merek Royce Press (Sound Design), Patricia E. Doherty (Costume Design), Marisa Procopio (Properties), Brian Snyder (Technical Director,) Kristin Pfeifer (Stage Manager), Adam von Pier (Assistant Stage Manager).
About the Show:
Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes – no intermission
Location: New Jersey Repertory Company theater, 179 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ
Performances: Thursdays, Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm; Sundays at 2pmk
Contact for Info and Tickets: Purchase tickets by calling 732-229-3166 or online at www.njrep.org.
Suggested Audience: Some mature content is included.
*theatervisit