Two-character play on Rosendale Theatre stage

ROSENDALE, N.Y. » Rosendale Theatre will present its first live production of the year, the two-character play “Constellations,” for four performances from Thursday, March 3, through Saturday, March 5.

Authored by Nick Payne, “Constellations” explores how even the smallest change in people’s lives can dramatically alter the course they take.

In “Constellations,” Roland (a beekeeper) and Marianne (a theoretical physicist) meet at a party. In that single moment, an unfathomable multitude of possibilities unfold. Their chance meeting might blossom into a meaningful relationship or a brief affair. It might lead to nothing at all. Each step along those possible paths, in turn, offers a new series of potential outcomes: a marriage can exist alongside a breakup, and a tragic illness can exist on a parallel plane to a happily ever after. In this clever, eloquent, and moving story, Roland and Marianne’s romance plays out over a myriad of possible lifetimes, capturing the extraordinary richness of being alive in the universe.

“Constellations” has been nominated for numerous awards (Tony Awards, British Olivier Awards, Drama League, etc.). The New Yorker called it “… a singular astonishment, at once eloquent and mysterious … only 80 minutes long, but a wholly satisfying and complete emotional journey.” The New York Times called the play a “Gorgeous twocharacter drama … may be the most sophisticated date play Broadway has seen.”

To bring this fascinating exploration of love, science, quantum theory, and infinite possibility to the Hudson Valley, Ann Citron, the theatre’s arts director has brought together director Christine Crawfis (founder of the Mohonk Mountain Stage Company) to work with local performers Janet E. Nurre (“Grounded,” “How I Learned to Drive”) and Rick Meyer (“Every Brilliant Thing,” “The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged”).

“Coming up on the twoyear milestone of this pandemic, people have been reexamining their lives and making changes,” Citron said in a press release. “The question of where those choices take you is at the heart of this play, which makes it a powerful reflection of our current times.”

Performances are March 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m., and March 5 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $18 for members. Tickets are available in advance at rosendaletheatre.org. Tickets are also available in the box office, which opens 45 minutes before showtime. The show is recommended for audiences ages 13 and up.

The theatre requires proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for entry for patrons over 5 years of age. Attendees must wear their masks inside unless eating and drinking at their seats.

Visit the theatre’s website, send an email to ann@ rosendaletheatre.org or call (845) 594-6587.