Broadway stage manager directs Clear Space Theatre show
“Other Desert Cities,” a Tony-nominated Broadway play, opened Sept. 15 at Clear Space Theatre and will continue with performances Sept. 22-25. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 p.m., with Sunday shows at 2 p.m.
This Clear Space selection has a direct connection to the original Broadway production through its director. “Other Desert Cities” first premiered off-Broadway in January 2011 and reopened on Broadway in November 2011, with James Fitzsimmons as production stage manager. Fitzsimmons is returning to the play as director of the Clear Space production.
Fitzsimmons is a Delaware resident who splits his time between Lewes and New York City. He has been a professional stage manager for some of New York’s biggest productions, such as “How I Learned to Drive,” “The Boys in the Band,” “Hand to God” and “Hedda Gabler.”
Fitzsimmons said, “Although I lived with the play for over a year and with a very starry company, it delights and surprises me that the Clear Space cast has found new things about the play to bring to this production. It may be based on the original production, but it feels new and fresh."
“Other Desert Cities” revolves around Brooke Wyeth and her return home to Palm Springs following a six-year absence. Together to celebrate Christmas with her parents, brother and aunt, she announces she is about to publish her memoir. The family does not react well to her news, since Brooke will be sharing a pivotal and tragic part of the family’s history, an event they do not want to relive.
The Clear Space Theatre cast includes Erin Bobby as Brooke Wyeth, while Polly and Lyman Wyeth are played by Meg Kelly and Dan Carney. Josh Getka is Trip Wyeth, and Valorie Jarrell is the aunt, Silda Grauman.
Tickets are available at ClearSpaceTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 302-227-2270.
Clear Space Theatre is a nonprofit regional theater company serving residents and visitors to Southern Delaware since 2004. Clear Space performs 13 shows during its season and has year-round performing arts opportunities for children and adults. Clear Space is located at 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach.
