September 2018 - Let Us Entertain You: Separate Tables

Photo by Russell Maynor

As 2018 is fast approaching, West End Productions has chosen its final play of the season. Originally produced in London in 1954, Terence Rattigan's Separate Tables is a series of two one-acts, set eighteen months apart in the lounge and dining room of a small hotel on the south coast of England, are "deftly woven together into an intelligent, handsome" comedy/drama. The play examines social attitudes towards lifestyles and behavior deemed morally reprehensible in 1950s Britain. Director James Cady remembers the first time he saw the production. "I was introduced to the work in 1964 at the Pasadena Playhouse where I was a student – I was not in it and too young to direct it, but I had the pleasure of seeing it (as well as the movie). I remember it as an incredibly emotional experience."

Cady has once again gathered together some of New Mexico's finest actors. The leads, newcomers H.K. Phillips and Matthew Van Wettering, will play Ann and John. Cady shared what the duo will provide to the show. “Great acting and sensitivity that these two bring to all their work – we are blessed to have them in our theatre community. They play two different leading roles – totally disparate in emotion and outlook on life. The characters have in common: to get through life despite what comes at them and each other. Phillips and Van Wettering recently appeared in Shakespeare on the Plaza's "As You Like It." Not only will they play the roles of Ann and John in Act 1, but they will also play the roles of Sybil and Major Pollock in Act 2. The production also stars newcomers Lauren Jehle and Robin Havens-Parker, a relocated actor from Washington, DC, who has been a "welcome addition to the Albuquerque theatre community," shared Cady. Other notable performers are Margie Maes, Colleen Neary McClure, Ray Orley, Linda Sklov, Carolyn Ward, Carolyn Wickwire, and Michael Weppler.

Cady's reason for directing this play brings him back to when he first saw the production and what he can offer to have it jump off the stage. "It is a stunningly brilliant and provocative play evoking memories that haunt us all. There are lessons to be learned here about loneliness, compassion, prejudice, and honesty are all laid bare and as relevant today as they were fifty years ago." When it comes to what Cady wants the audience to leave the theater feeling, it is a simple message, "I would like them to be grateful for what they have in life."

Separate Tables will run at the North 4th Art Center on 4904 4th St. NW, from October 5th-28th, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and Sunday matinees at 2 PM. For more information, visit westendproductions.org