River Company announces its impressive 20th season with four exciting productions. The plays are “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” by Christopher Durang, “Rhinoceros” by Eugene Ionesco and finally their annual fundraiser “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.

“Love Letters,” starring longtime River Company board member Suzanne Rankin and local favorite Thom Watson, will open Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14 for one performance only.  The venue is Savory Maine restaurant, located in Damariscotta and will be an exciting dinner and performance combination. 

Rankin and Watson bring this romantic comedy to life, reading love letters to one another that span their two characters’ lifetimes. The setting and design are simple yet elegant and complements the dining environment.  “Love Letters” promises to be a lovely time, a special Mother’s Day treat.  Doors open at 6 p.m. with the performance beginning at 6:30 with a brief intermission and tickets are $35 per person and include a three course meal. For reservations,  call 207-563-2111. 

Durang’s Tony award winning play “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” will have six performances, opening Friday, Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m., followed by Aug. 5, 11, 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 6 and 13 at 3 p.m. in the Porter Meeting Hall at Skidompha Library. This hilarious comedy centers on three middle aged siblings and their struggle to find love, success and to “grow up.” River Company board member, Allison Eddyblouin, has taken on the role of director and plans to cast the show this June. Open auditions will be held, date, time and location to be determined. 

“Rhinoceros,” a dark and eye opening three act play will be performed in November, around election day November 7, 2017, the one year anniversary of America’s historic presidential election. The performance dates are November 3, 4, 10, 11 at 7:30 p.m. and 5 and 12 at 3 p.m. in the Porter Meeting Hall at Skidompha Library.  The play takes place in a small French village and focuses on one character, a man named Berenger, who watches everyone in his town overtaken by “rhinoceritis,” a sickness that turns one into a rhinoceros.  The play serves as an allegory for the second world war and the conversion and conformation of many people into anti-semites,  and eventually Nazis. 

The season will end with a rendition of “A Christmas Carol” starring hometown talent during the month of December. Dates and times have yet to be confirmed.  The performances will benefit a local charity.

River Company is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) corporation comprised of experienced local actors who produce dynamic, minimal-style theatre, written by major playwrights, focusing on acting. For more information, visit our website www.rivercompany.org or to sign up for our newsletter or become a member call 207-563-8116.