What began as an exercise in non-linear narrative writing is now a full-length play, currently being prepared for showing as this season’s final production at the Eunice Players’ Theatre. Providence, written by Cody Daigle of Scott, LA, infuses a present day storyline with flashbacks that reveal events occurring in the months leading up to the opening scenes of the play. Jody L. Powell, director of the play, assists the audience in shifting through time by lighting changes, set arrangement, and seamless scene changes.
The story begins and ends with two couples in an airport, with an individual from each couple on the verge of a new beginning. Their futures are uncertain as they take risks that may change their relationships with those closest to them. Unlike traditional plays where the first few scenes are used to set up the plot, this play delivers the main event early on, while the rest of the story has the characters living with the effects.
Having seen a reading of Providence, Powell knew it was a play she wanted to stage one day. “I’ve admired Cody’s work for years and am delighted to share his work with others. It’s a rare opportunity to direct a script written by someone with his talent from this area.” Daigle is pleased to see the play being produced by the Eunice institution. “It’s an honor that my work was chosen when there are so many other options,” he stated.
Daigle’s work is well written, with conversations between the characters so real and honest, that it was chosen by Maeutic TheatreWorks, an off-Broadway company in New York City, to be a part of their 2008 season. The show ran for a month in February and received positive reviews. Byrne Harrison of Stage Buzz Review called it a “a beautiful and touching work of art not to be missed”.
Laurie Lawson, critic for a theatre based website, noted the use of sophisticated and sharp humor to reveal the development of an unexpected, emerging friendship between two men. Their conversations are underscored by the meaning of “providence” as it becomes more than just a destination when the word is capitalized.
This marks the third play Daigle has had produced in New York City, including Life/Play at the International Fringe Festival in 2007, and The Last Night of the World in 2006. His works have also been produced in Lafayette over the past several years.
On the heels of the show’s New York success, Powell assembled a cast of experienced actors she knew would deliver the range of emotions these multi-faceted characters have to display. Andre Andrepont, Angelle Bellard, Gabe Ortego, and Bonnie Pitre fulfill their duties admirably following weeks of character exploration and development that will leave audiences pondering the similarities between the life experiences they share with the characters.
The show will open with a matinee on Sunday, November 2 at 2:00 p.m. Dinner theatre is scheduled for Monday, November 3 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Other performances dates include November 5, 6, and 8 at 7:00 p.m., and the play will close with a matinee performance on Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m. Season ticket holders should call 866-856-3653 to make reservations. Individuals without season tickets can purchase tickets by calling Louis Wright's Store at 337-457-3330. Tickets are $10; dinner (steak, sides, dessert) plus ticket is $25. The theatre is located at 121 S. Second St. in Eunice.
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