The Dining Room Opens Friday


Los Alamos Little Theatre presents “The Dining Room” by A. R. Gurney. This superbly written comedy was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1985. The play opens Friday, May 4 and runs through May 19.

The play is set in the dining room of a typical well-to-do household, the place where the family assembled daily for breakfast and dinner and for any and all special occasions. The action is comprised of a mosaic of interrelated scenes – some funny, some touching, some rueful – which, taken together, create an in-depth portrait of a vanishing species: the upper-middle-class WASP. The actors change roles, personalities and ages with virtuoso skill as they portray a wide variety of characters. Dovetailing swiftly and smoothly, the varied scenes coalesce, ultimately, into a theatrical experience of exceptional range, compassionate humor and abundant humanity.  

This is a comedy of manners and the numerous and diverse character transitions make it a wonderful vehicle for actors. Bringing the more than 50 characters to life are the six-person cast of three women – Gwen Lewis, Paige Ramsey and Holly Robinson, and three men – Thomas Farish, Ian Foti-Landis, and Tim Orcutt. Cindy Hines is making her directorial debut at LALT with “The Dining Room.” Even though relatively new to the Los Alamos Theatre community, Hines brings vast experience with her in acting, directing, and producing.

Director Hines and Actor Orcutt have appeared in previous productions of “The Dining Room,” and both are looking forward to presenting a play which ranks among their top theatre experiences.

Los Alamos Little Theatre presents “The Dining Room” at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 13 at the Performing Arts Center, 1670 Nectar Street in Los Alamos. Tickets are $14 for general admission, $12 for students and seniors, available at CB Fox, online at Brown Paper Tickets, or at the door