If you go
› What: “Rabbit Hole”› Where: Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot St., Ringgold, Ga.› When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, April 20-22 and 27-29; 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29› Admission: $10, $8 for students and senior adults› For more information: 706-935-3061
The Ringgold Playhouse will present seven performances of David Lindsay-Abaire's "Rabbit Hole," which opens today, April 20, and continues through April 29 in the historic Ringgold Depot in Ringgold, Ga.
After opening its season with the comedy "Southern Fried Funeral," the Playhouse is shifting gears to this heartfelt drama in which a small cast of talented local actors tackle emotional subject matter.
"It's a small show, but it has a lot of heart and a stellar cast," says Adam Cook, TRP's executive director. "We opened the season with a dozen characters in our big comedy, and now we're telling a more intimate story with only five characters. It's different, but fun at the same time, and I think our audiences appreciate the variety we offer."
The play focuses on a young couple dealing with the recent loss of their son in an automobile tragedy, who are trying to navigate life, family and their marriage in the aftermath of the accident.
"It's one of those great pieces of theater that not only involves a lot of emotion that accompanies such a terrible loss, but also contains very realistic and relatable characters," Cook says.
The play's leads, Becca and Howie Corbett, are played by TRP veterans Laurie Shaw and Timothy Shields, who worked together last year in "The Storm," which was written and directed by Cook.
"Laurie and Tim are tremendous in this show, as is the entire cast," Cook says. "That's one thing that helps when telling a story like this. With comedy, there are quirky characters, funny situations and timing that creates laughs. With drama, I feel it's harder to win over audiences; they either buy these characters or they don't. Laurie and Tim have this chemistry after having worked together before that just clicks."
The cast is rounded out by TRP veterans Whitney Standefer-Smith, Kimberly Tyner Jones and TRP newcomer Levi Witt as Jason, the teenager responsible for the death.
"It has really evolved into a special show," Cook said. "The cast and our stage manager, Stephanie Dickert, have been committed from day one to telling a wonderful, meaningful story and that's what they'll be delivering to audiences."
Cook adds this play includes adult themes and some adult language.
Tickets are $10 general admission, and $8 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased in person Monday-Friday at Ringgold City Hall, by phone at 706-935-3061 or online at cityofringgold.com.