Westwood Actress Stars in Upcoming Walpole Production, "The Humans"

Thanks to The Walpole Footlighters for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.

Westwood actress Elise Blanchard makes her debut with The Walpole Footlighters in the upcoming production of the 2016 Tony Award winner for Best Play, The Humans, a family drama by Stephen Karam, which opens the theater company's 99th season. This production is directed by Cammerron Baits.

The Blake family is gathering for Thanksgiving dinner at the dilapidated New York apartment of daughter Brigid and her fiancé Richard. Brigid’s parents Erik and Deirdre have driven in from Scranton with Erik’s wheelchair-bound mother Momo for the occasion. Brigid’s sister Aimee will also be there. Everyone in the family has their own drama and is trying to decide whether and when to share. Even though they are surrounded by love, real-life events can take control over emotions and test a family’s strength. 

Ms. Blanchard will play the role of Brigid, a character that Ms. Blanchard says is very similar to herself. She says audiences will enjoy the show even though “the show is painfully relatable; even if the bigger and harder moments aren’t accessible to the audience, the smaller moments— laughing with loved ones, or trying so hard to connect with family but falling short— feel universal to me. It’s very much a dramatic comedy, lots of laughs and lots of tears. I think it’s enjoyable because it feels so realistic.”

Performances of The Humans are at the Walpole Footlighters Playhouse at 2 Scout Road in East Walpole. Evening performances will be on October 21, 22, 28, 29 and November 5 at 8:00 p.m. There will also be matinee performances on October 23 and November 6 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $22 plus transaction fees, with discounts available for groups of 10 or more. 

Masks are strongly encouraged. Concessions will not be sold, but water will be available. For more information, call 508-668-8446 or visit www.footlighters.com.

This production is sponsored in part by the Walpole Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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