Most dramas centered on death and dying are tragedies. But not Nicky Silver's "The Lyons." Instead, it is a dark comedy that finds humor in the death of a family's patriarch.
"A death in the family doesn't automatically bring out the best in people, but it brings out the best in Nicky Silver's writing," said Stellie Siteman, actress and artistic director of Max and Louie Productions.
The theater company opens a staging of "The Lyons" next Friday at COCA's Black Box. The play contains obscenities and is best for an adult audience.
"The intimate space is really good for us," said Siteman of the theater. "In a production like this I think you really want the audience to be close to the actors."
Actress Judi Mann plays the role of the mother, Rita. Mann summed up her character with a line from the play. In response to her husband saying, "I'm dying," Rita says, "I know. But try to stay positive."
In the play, the family comes together because the father is on his deathbed, said Siteman. The son, Curtis, has "made some dubious life choices" and the daughter, Lisa, is trying to stay sober. Meanwhile the mother, Rita, is trying to decide how to redecorate the living room.
"I've been describing them as the perfect dysfunctional family," said actress Meghan Maguire. She plays the daughter Lisa.
The dark comedy opens August 22, 2013 and runs through September 2.
Related Event
Max and Louie Productions Presents Nicky Silver's "The Lyons"
August 22 - September 1, 2013
Wednesday - Friday, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
COCA's Black Box Theater, 524 Trinity Ave.
(314) 725-1834
Website: Max and Louie Productions Website
Cityscape is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer, hosted by Steve Potter and sponsored in part by the Missouri Arts Council, the Regional Arts Commission and the Arts and Education Council.