One-act plays to be performed in June

May 31, 2022

MARION — The Marion Art Center Theater will present its second production of the season, outdoors in Bicentennial Park, Marion, located across the street from the center at 80 Pleasant St. 

The June production features four one-act plays by David Ives, from his comedic collection.

“All in the Timing. Words, Words, Words,’’ directed by Sheila McManus, recalls the philosophical adage that three monkeys typing into infinity will sooner or later produce “Hamlet’’ and asks: What would monkeys talk about at their typewriters?

“The Philadelphia,’’ directed by Linda Costa, presents two friends in a restaurant who have fallen into “a Philadelphia,” a “Twilight Zone’’-like state in which they cannot get anything they ask for.

“Sure Thing,’’ directed by Donn Tyler, features two people who meet in a café and find their way through a conversational minefield of false starts, gaffes and faux pas on the way to falling in love.

The fourth play, “Variations on the Death of Trotsky,’’ directed by Kate Fishman, depicts the Russian revolutionary on the day of his demise, desperately trying to cope with the mountain-climber’s ax he’s discovered in his head. 

The cast includes Melissa Bessey, Jack Boesen, Scott Fishman, Jessica Harris, Brennan McKiernan, Bill Miller, Gary Sousa, Maura Van Voris and Suzie Kokkins. Steven McManus is the sound technician.

Show dates are June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18. Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 6:30 p.m., while Sunday matinees will begin at 2 p.m.

Attendees should bring their own chairs. In case of cancellation due to rain, ticket holders may choose another date or request a refund. Tickets are $18 for MAC members and $20 for nonmembers.

Purchase tickets at marionartcenter.org/events.

This project is supported by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.