Final play of summer season

DORSET - Dorset Theatre Festival’s 45th season of professional summer theatre will conclude with the world premiere of “Thirst,” written by Irish-American playwright Ronán Noone and directed by the festival’s resident playwright Theresa Rebeck.
Set during Eugene O’Neill’s classic play “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” failure, denial, and passion roil as two Irish servants and an American chauffeur pass the day in the kitchen of the Tyrone family’s residence in 1912. As tensions rise and the past rears its head, a search for love and belonging becomes the search for home.
The cast features Meg Hennessy as Cathleen, who has been seen off-Broadway in five shows with the Irish Repertory Theatre, including “The Plough and The Stars,” and “Shadow of a Gunman.” David Mason plays Jack; his previous Dorset credits include 2016’s “Table Manners” and the world premiere of “Dig” by Rebeck. Kathy McCafferty plays Bridget and has been seen in the Broadway tour of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” and off-broadway at Lincoln Center Theater and 59E59.
Noone’s plays have been produced at Huntington Theatre Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and internationally in the UK, Spain, Canada, the Philippines, and Ireland. “The Smuggler” won the best playwright award at the first Irish Festival of New York in January 2019.
Rebeck is a widely-produced writer for stage, film, television, and novels, whose work can be seen and read throughout the United States and internationally. With four plays produced on Broadway, Rebeck is the most Broadway-produced female playwright of the time.
Rebeck is joined by scenic designers Christopher and Justin Swader, costume designer Fabian Fidel Aguilar, lighting designer Mary Ellen Stebbins, sound designer Fitz Patton, casting director Judy Bowman, CSA, and stage manager Avery Trunko.
“Thirst,” which runs about two hours with a 15-minute intermission, will run through Saturday, September 3. Based on current conditions and health and safety guidelines, all attendees will be expected to be masked during performances at the Playhouse; however, this is subject to change.
Dorset Theatre Festival’s box office may be reached by calling (802) 867-2223, ext. 101, Wednesdays through Saturdays from noon to 6 pm, and Sundays from noon to 4 pm. For more information or to purchase tickets online visit www.dorsettheatrefestival.org.