‘Day’ in and ‘Day’ out
This is a first: a theater group staging performances of Eugene O’Neill’s “Long Day’s Journey into Night” in the Monte Cristo Cottage, the place where the playwright spent his boyhood summers and the place that inspired the setting for the autobiographical “Long Day’s Journey.”
Flock Theatre is presenting the drama that is considered O’Neill’s greatest work on Saturdays and Sundays throughout April.
And Flock is adding another layer to the experience by the time of day it’s performing the piece. On two days — April 22 and 29 — it will present the acts at times that simulate those mentioned in the script: so Act I at 9 a.m., Act II at 12:45 p.m., Act III at 7 p.m., and Act IV at 8 p.m.
On the other Saturdays and Sundays, Flock will offer the first half of “Long Day’s Journey” at 3 p.m. and the second half at 7:30 p.m.
“Eugene O’Neill’s magnum opus is an autobiographical exercise in forgiveness for O’Neill’s family as they battle addiction, illness, and regret,” Flock’s release states. “Audiences witness the Tyrone family over the course of one day in August 1912 in their summer home. Flock Theatre will stage the play in the actual room where it takes place, using natural and reproduction lighting, to explore space and time unlike any production to date.”
Flock is presenting the show in cooperation with the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, which owns and operates the Monte Cristo Cottage.
The production stars Anne Flammang, Christie Williams, Victor Chiburis, Eric Michaelian and Amy Bentley. Derron Wood directs.
“Long Day’s Journey into Night,” Saturdays and Sundays in April, Monte Cristo Cottage, 325 Pequot Ave., New London; on April 22 and 29, Act I is at 9 a.m., Act II is 12:45 p.m., Act III is 7 p.m., and Act IV is 8 p.m. (tickets $45); on all other Saturdays and Sundays in April, the first half starts at 3 p.m. and the second half at 7:30 p.m. (tickets $35); seating is very limited, and reservations are required: flocktheatre@hotmail.com, (860) 443-3119.