Valley Players plan staged reading of Tucker Atwood play

Feb. 24, 2022  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

The Valley Players will present a staged reading of the 2021 Valley Players Playwright Award winner “Dance Again,” by Tucker Atwood, on Saturday, March 5. 

The story takes place in the living room of an old house on the border of a warzone between two nations. Though it’s set in a fictional world, it is one that could very well be real. Place and time are intentionally non-specific, but it feels like the early to mid-1900s. 

Soldiers from opposing sides arrive at the house seeking refuge from a bitter storm and ongoing battle. The hosts do their best to remain neutral and keep the strangers from learning the true identities of their fellow houseguests (note: the script contains expletives).

“I like two things about doing a staged reading,” said Doug Bergstein, who is co-directing the reading with Susan Loynd. “One, it gives an opportunity for new actors to get their feet wet. Two, it gives new playwrights an opportunity to have their play performed. I guarantee you've never seen a play like this before.” 

The cast includes Brent Adams, Doug Bergstein, Aric Brown, Ashley Hall, Susan Loynd, Mikki Nucci, Marci Robinson, Shannon Sanborn, Cynthia Seckler, and Stephanie Seng. Playwright Tucker Atwood is currently based in Belfast, Maine, and in 2019 performed "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged]" with the Middlebury Community Players.

The reading is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on March 5 at the Valley Players Theater, 4254 Main Street (Rt. 100), Waitsfield. Admission is by donation; reservations are not required. Current Waitsfield town mask mandates will be followed.

More information online at valleyplayers.com.