Atlantic Crossing
Synopsis
Atlantic Crossing explores stories from both sides of the Atlantic through five one act plays.
Not my Cup of Tea by Albert Groff.We see an aging Mother and her two spinster daughters in rural England. With the conundrum of what will happen when Mother passes away. The daughters, one a plotter and planner and the other not so bright, eventually see that a way of helping Mother to the 'other side' is through lacing her afternoon tea with poison after their previous hysterical plans failed. This will free them from Mother’s controlling influence over their inheritance. Mother on the other hand worries about what will happen to her daughters given that the bank owns theie house and has much the same plans for afternoon tea. Just who will enjoy their afternoon tea?
Penguin Blues by Ethan Phillips.Sister Angelita and Gordon are two strangers who are forced to meet as part of their treatment in a rehabilitation facility in the US midwest. Being Catholic is the only thing they believe they have in common. Sister Angelita is to a degree fascinated by Gordon’s experiences, yet feels emotionally threatened by him. Gordon on the other hand sees only childhood terror and bitterness in the presence of a nun. Both grow to appreciate each other’s trauma and with that each begins to heal.
New York Minute by Michele PalermoHarry and Melissa have been friends for over a decade. When Harry tragically dies, Melissa’s dedication to that friendship combined with raw grief bring Harry back to resolve aspects of their friendship and Melissa’s anger at losing her friend. Helping both heal, Harry also convinces Melissa to take risks to lead to her ongoing happiness.
A Little Something for the Ducks by Jean Lenox Toddie.Set in aNew York park, Jewish widow Irma comes across Jewish widower Samuel feeding the ducks. Irma is quick to point out the Samuel is breaking the law ignoring the sign that clearly states ‘Don’t Feed the Ducks’ To Irma’s horror Samuel asks her to continue to feed the ducks, who have eased his loneliness after he has drowned himself in the lake. Irma is horrified by this and a heart-warming friendship develops between the two that lessens each other’s loneliness. Ending with humour is a vigorous discussion over who makes the best chopped liver.
Kippers for Tea from the Cathouse ArchivesAn elderly couple in rural England, stop in the local graveyard on their way home from shopping and sit down for a rest. Whilst discussing the type of plot the wife would like and the husband pointing out the actual reality of their situation banter moves on as to who is responsible for their lowly financial status and if they are suited at all, even after decades of marriage if they are suited at all. As the bell rings for the closing of the cemetery gate there is delight between the pair that it is kippers, a favourite for tea.
New York Minute by Michele PalermoHarry and Melissa have been friends for over a decade. When Harry tragically dies, Melissa’s dedication to that friendship combined with raw grief bring Harry back to resolve aspects of their friendship and Melissa’s anger at losing her friend. Helping both heal, Harry also convinces Melissa to take risks to lead to her ongoing happiness.
A Little Something for the Ducks by Jean Lenox Toddie.Set in aNew York park, Jewish widow Irma comes across Jewish widower Samuel feeding the ducks. Irma is quick to point out the Samuel is breaking the law ignoring the sign that clearly states ‘Don’t Feed the Ducks’ To Irma’s horror Samuel asks her to continue to feed the ducks, who have eased his loneliness after he has drowned himself in the lake. Irma is horrified by this and a heart-warming friendship develops between the two that lessens each other’s loneliness. Ending with humour is a vigorous discussion over who makes the best chopped liver.
Kippers for Tea from the Cathouse ArchivesAn elderly couple in rural England, stop in the local graveyard on their way home from shopping and sit down for a rest. Whilst discussing the type of plot the wife would like and the husband pointing out the actual reality of their situation banter moves on as to who is responsible for their lowly financial status and if they are suited at all, even after decades of marriage if they are suited at all. As the bell rings for the closing of the cemetery gate there is delight between the pair that it is kippers, a favourite for tea.
Cast and Crew
Not My Cup of Tea
Emmie - Di Addington
Jessica - Helen Gramberg
Mother - Gail (Murfi) McGregor
Penguin Blues
Angelita - Margaret Healy
Gordon - David Cubley
New York Minute
Harry - Frank Sartore
Melissa - Fiona Agyeman
A Little Something for the Ducks
Irma - Maggie Browne
Samuel - Andrew LeClercq
Kippers for Tea
Man - Alan Stone
Woman Pat Agyeman
Crew
Director - Bette Sartore
Stage Manager - Brian Fitches
ASM - Robert McGregor
Lighting and Sound - Doug Owen
Stage Design and Construction - Brian Fitches, Frank Sartore, Robert McGregor & Cats Members
Music - Galliano Sommavilla
Scenic Backdrops - Pauline Woodhouse & Marilyn Andrews
FOH Coordinator & Tickets - Katie Fitches