Cape May Stage Presents ‘Other Desert Cities’

CAPE MAY – Cape May Stage tackles intense family dynamics with Other Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz. A finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this depiction of a family with deeply oppositional political views is a stirring reminder of the depth of family ties.
After a six-year absence, Brooke Wyeth returns to her Reaganite parents’ Palm Springs enclave for the holidays. But the warm desert air turns chilly when news of her upcoming memoir threatens to revive the most painful chapter of the family’s history. Perception and reality grapple with love and mercy as old family wounds are opened, childhood memories are tested, and the Wyeth clan learns that some secrets cannot stay buried forever. Full of surprisingly touching moments, Other Desert Cities brings family drama to new heights.
The dysfunctional Wyeths come to life through an impressively talented cast. Portraying Lyman, the patriarch of the Wyeth family, is Daytime Emmy-nominee Robert Newman, best known for his 28-year stint on Guiding Light. Familiar Cape May Stage faces embody the Wyeth women – Michelle Eugene (Blithe Spirit, God of Carnage) tackles the emotionality of daughter Brooke, while Kate McCauley Hathaway (Steel Magnolias, I Hate Hamlet) plays her seemingly antagonistic mother Polly. Rounding out the trio is Marlena Lustik (Boeing Boeing, Lend Me a Tenor) as Silda, Polly’s burnt-out alcoholic of a sister. Playing the final member of the family, son Tripp, is Patrick Cannon (Steppenwolf Theatre Garage Rep, Pittsburgh Public Theatre).
Joining the cast in depicting this family drama is a talented production team including Producing Artistic Director Roy Steinberg (Blithe Spirit, Moon Over Buffalo) as director, Scenic Designer Shawn Fisher, Costume Designer Daniel Burns, Lighting Designer Cyrus Newitt, and Production Stage Manager Casey Oakes.
Performance Information
Other Desert Cities will run from Sept. 24 through Oct. 31 at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse located on the corner of Bank and Lafayette Streets in downtown Cape May. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 seniors (62+) and $15 students. A half-price preview performance will take place Sept. 24; the official opening night will be Sept. 25. A special half-price senior matinee will take place Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. and there will be a special ‘pay-what-you-wish’ performance Oct. 10. For more information and reservations, please call the box office at 609-770-8311 or visit the theatre’s website at www.capemaystage.org
Other Desert Cities is presented through the gracious support of Wilsey Realty, LLC and the Capri Motor Lodge. This season’s sponsors include 410 Bank Street, Frescos, Cape May Winery, CapeSCape, Corner Cottage Apartments, Exit Zero, Chris Clemans Sotheby’s International Realty, North Beach Health Club, the Montreal Beach Resort, Washington Inn and Lucky Bones.