Town Players of Newtown are staging a dramatic production of Conor McPherson's The Veil as its early summer fare. Directed by Ruth Anne Baumgartner, the dark yet elegant play is a mysterious twist on pre-wedding jitters.

The production opened last weekend, and continues for three additional weekends at The Little Theatre.

Hailing from Ireland, and living in Jamestown, what remains of the Lambroke family is preparing to depart for the wedding of the youngest Lambroke, Hannah, played by Leah Nashel. Hannah is dreading the event, but her widowed mother, Lady Madeleine (Marguerite Foster), is desperate for the dowry the prosperous union will provide.

Meanwhile, Lady Madeleine cares for her mother-in-law, the aged Grandie (Leslie Andrews), and a large estate requiring several workers for maintenance. Estate Manager William Fingal (Alexander Kulcsar) has not been paid for more than a year. He is distraught over this.

Housekeepers Mrs Goulding (Laurel Lettieri) and Clare (Brianna Bowman) keep the home fires burning and the food and drink prepared, as the family tale unfolds.

Arriving to escort the young maiden for her wedding to a virtual stranger are her uncle, a defrocked minister (Rob Pawlikowski) and his friend, Charles Audelle (Tim Huber). Their bags are packed with intrigue.

Every character has a story to tell and a secret to be kept, yet all comes out in the days leading up to Hannah's departure. There is a dark history here and the troubled past informs the already disturbed present.

The cast is very good, as they work over this story as it unfolds. A particularly fine performance is given by Alexander Kulcsar as the harried, underpaid, and unhinged Mr Fingal. The entire cast does well as characters weave their lies and mince their words in denial or admission of secrets that have caused pain and ruin.

No one knows for sure where the truth lies. You must come for tea, lots of tea, and see if you can predict whose dreams and visions are whose.

Performances continue weekends through August 5 at The Little Theatre, 18 Orchard Hill Road in Newtown.

Curtain is Friday and Saturday at 8 pm; and 2 pm Sundays, July 23 and 30. Tickets are $22 for the evening shows, $18 for the matinees.

Reservations can be made by calling 203-270-9144 or visiting newtownplayers.org. 

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