DAC Stage Kicks Off Season with Comedy About Children, Parents and Authority

A staged reading of a new play by local playwright Rocco Natale is the first production of the 2015-2016 season of DAC Stage at the Darien Arts Center. The staged reading of The Family takes place on October 3, 2015 at 8 p.m. in the DAC Weatherstone Studio.

This one-night reading, a comedy, is about children, parents and authority. The following is used to describe the play: “Meet Laurel. Laurel is married to Tommy. Sarah is their daughter. She has a fish named Ralph. The problem? It’s all pretend. When the students of Mrs. Moritz 5th grade class invent a disastrous new game, the whole school wants to be part of ‘The Family’.”

Natale, a Greenwich resident, shared his enthusiasm for his latest work, “We are excited to share The Family with theatergoers and to allow audiences to offer feedback. Most theatre patrons have not had the chance to be part of the workshop process. This is an opportunity for patrons to learn about making new theatre and offering insight into a young play.” A talkback will follow the reading with members of the cast.

The Family is directed by New Canaan’s Claire Kelly, who also works as artistic director of Shakespeare on the Sound in Rowayton. The cast includes Darien residents Emily Bryan, Kristen Ball and Autumn Howard, Kerry Gavin from Stamford, and Natale. Tickets are not necessary to attend the performance; a donation of $10 is suggested. The Darien Arts Center is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the town hall. For more information, visit darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683.

Pictured: Playwright Rocco Natale.