Players take on domestic violence in ‘To The Moon’

By Sequim Gazette Staff • October 4, 2023 1:30 am
Photo courtesy of Port Angeles Community Players / From left, Marissa LaJambe, Cheryl Koenig and Janie Rhodes, each of Port Angeles, rehearse a scene for the upcoming PA Community Players production of “To The Moon.”
Photo courtesy of Port Angeles Community Players / From left, Marissa LaJambe, Cheryl Koenig and Janie Rhodes, each of Port Angeles, rehearse a scene for the upcoming PA Community Players production of “To The Moon.”

In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Port Angeles Community Players is producing a new play that deals head on with domestic violence.

The Players’ production of “To The Moon,” by Beth Kander, is a 90-minute, one-act docudrama that will run over two weekends — and one Tuesday — from Friday, Oct. 6, to Sunday, Oct. 15.

The show will be at the Playhouse main stage at 1235 E. Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles. Friday, Saturday and Tuesday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for students. Tuesday performances are $8 at the door.

Get tickets at pacommunityplayers.org or at the box office on the day of the performance. A limited number of free passes will be available at the box office at all performances for anyone in need.

In “To The Moon,” characters portray a retired Jewish Mahjong player, a nursing mom, a devoted Christian, a former shelter resident, an Ivy-league trained doctor, an LGBTQ PhD philosophy student and a dance instructor each having something in common: all are victims of domestic violence (DV).

“This is a play everyone should see,” co-directors Mindy Gelder and Ken Winters said. “Because DV doesn’t discriminate based on economic status, educational level, ethnicity, gender, age, or religion. It can reach anyone and might be occurring right under people’s noses.”

“To The Moon,” which premiered at the Creede Repertory Theatre of Chicago in 2021, isn’t about “an issue” flat and removed from actual experiences,” producers say.

”The characters you’ll meet in this play, whom you will find heartbreakingly human, are based on the dozens of real survivors who inspired their creation,” they said. “The survivors who shared their stories are brave and quiet and fierce and mild and funny and as varied a community as you can imagine. Their compelling stories will keep you riveted to your seats as they shine a light on the dirty little secrets of DV.”

This play is being presented in collaboration with Healthy Families of Clallam County. Donations to the organization will be accepted both on-line during ticket purchases and at the Playhouse at each performance.

For more information, call 360-452-6651 or email to Pacommunityplayers@hotmail.com.