Michael Covel (left) and Peter Henderson fold the flag in “Independence Day,” one of 14 vignettes in Heartwood Regional Theater Company’s “Down Along the Cove.” (Photo courtesy Jenny Mayher)
“Down Along the Cove,” an original project written and directed by Heartwood Regional Theater Company’s artistic director, Griff Braley, closes this weekend with three evening performances in the Parker B. Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy in Newcastle Thursday-Saturday, July 5-7.
Fourteen related vignettes — short stories springing from actual local events and characters Braley knew from 1989 to 2000 — tease out the simple pleasures and ironies of small-community life. Lighter moments fall up against dramatic turns, and a few comic stereotype characters will likely seem familiar. Audiences are enjoying this authentic Maine experience.
Laced with wry humor and poignant, everyday moments to savor, “Down Along the Cove” examines the interconnected nature of small communities, blessings and challenges alike. The vignettes of this almost-poetic, introspective piece follow the lives of seven primary characters, examining and honoring love, loss, memory, work, time, and humor.
As is often the case with Heartwood productions, the cast of seven is a mix of local (“from here”) and visiting (“from away”) actors — absolutely appropriate for the Midcoast stories and setting of “Down Along the Cove.”
Three 7:30 p.m. performances remain in the Parker B. Poe Theater. Reservations are strongly suggested: email info@heartwoodtheater.org or call 563-1373. Student tickets are $5, subsidized; adult tickets are $20.
“Down Along the Cove” received special support from the Maine Community Foundation. Heartwood’s annual programming would not be possible without the support of Season Sponsor Bath Savings Institution and Mainstage Sponsor Granite Hill Estates.
