Dayton Playhouse stages Berry’s ‘Whales of August’
Tender drama addresses aging, sisterhood.
Growing old gracefully is an engaging theme at the heart of David Berry’s 1982 drama “The Whales of August,” beginning performances Friday at the Dayton Playhouse.
In the tender, moving play, set in a quaint summer home off the coast of Maine in the 1950s, two elderly, widowed sisters reflect on the pain and misunderstandings that hindered their relationship over the years.
While attempting to heal old wounds, they begin to realize the value of sisterhood and companionship. They especially enjoy going to the shore to watch whales navigate past their island every summer. A Russian fisherman, a plumber, and the sisters’ neighbor also factor into the action that sheds light on the aging process and life-altering choices with relatable appeal.
“This is a beautiful play with very rich characters,” said director John Riley, a Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame member and co-founder of the Dayton Playhouse’s annual FutureFest of new works. “All audiences can get something out of it because you see the change and resolve in the characters and how they support each other.
“When some people get to a certain age, they just sit down and let the years go by. But hopefully this play will serve as a reminder to some that there is more left in them. The characters in ‘Whales’ understand there is still more. They’ve aged but are still alive.”
“Whales” holds special significance for Riley, 73, because it was the first play he directed locally 25 years ago for Kettering Theatre Under the Stars. As an actor, he has performed at numerous organizations such as the Human Race Theatre Company, Playhouse South and First Stage Productions in addition to the Dayton Playhouse.
In 2002, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Los Angeles to further his acting pursuits alongside his wife Marty. He was cast in a variety of films over the course of two years including several independent and student projects. He also notably appeared in 2006’s “Vanished Acres,” a hit at various film festivals. In 2010, he wrote, directed and starred in “The Line Shack,” which also received kudos on the festival circuit. Considering his long history with the Playhouse, he couldn’t bypass the opportunity to helm “Whales.”
“I really love films, being in Hollywood was one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever done, but I just feel like I need to direct for the stage one more time,” he said. “I got my start in theater at the Dayton Playhouse. I was in ‘Saying Goodbye,’ the first show at the Playhouse’s current location.”
The “Whales” cast consists of Dave Gaylor, Chuck Larkowski, Dodie Lockwood, Marcia Nowik and Gayle Smith.
“This play is a favorite of mine,” said Lockwood, Riley’s fellow Hall of Fame member and FutureFest co-founder. “It is an interesting look at the emotions and struggles that confront very long-term relationships with family and friends. These characters are all in their 70s and 80s and most have known each other since childhood. We are working hard to find the depth that must exist in their relationships.
“After that period of time, they must know each other so well. Can the last years of one’s life be exciting and interesting even as the world changes in front of them? I hope we make the audience think about family and friends they have counted on over the years and where those relationships took them.”
Additionally, “Whales” was adapted for film in 1987 starring Lillian Gish, Bette Davis, Vincent Price and an Academy Awardnominated Ann Sothern.