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The Encore Players are set to put on a play that questions the role and relationship between pets and their owners, staging “Pets (and Their Humans)” at the Bothwell Arts Center in Livermore over the next two weekends.
Members of the Encore Players have described the play as a quirky, poignant and comedic work that encourages audience members to think about the connection they share with the animals in their lives. The upcoming play will ask the question: “Where would we be without our pets?”
The story follows a widower named Brad, who is trying to cope with the loss of his wife and quickly turns to his animals for support.
“When Brad’s wife dies, he finds solace by talking to his pets,” said actor Donna Blevins, who plays a human role in the play. “But what happens when his pets start talking back? Is Brad going crazy or can he actually talk to animals?”
“Pets” is directed by Dana M. Fry, and stars local actors Bob Cowgill, Lesleyann Coker, Marsha Howard, Donna Blevins and Lea Blevins.
The piece was originally written by New Jersey playwright, Mike Sockol, who won Best Original Play from the New Jersey Association of Community Theater.
“Encore Players like to present stories that people can relate to, think about and want to discuss,” Donna Blevins said about the work of the Livermore-based theater troupe.
“Past productions of ours include ‘The Long Christmas Dinner’ by Thornton Wilder, about generations of one family over the years. ‘Jake’s Women’ by Neil Simon was about a man struggling with his marriage while dealing with conversations – real and imagined with women in his life. ‘The Dining Room’ by A. R. Gurney showed scenes that take place in a household, from the past to present,” Donna Blevins added.
Lea Blevins, another member of the Encore Players, plays one of the animals in “Pets (and Their Humans)”.
“Embodying an animal presents a new kind of acting experience for those of us playing the pets,” she said in a statement. “It’s been a fun challenge and I hope audiences enjoy this comedic, poignant play.”
Founded in 2014, Encore Players aims to remain committed to its mission of being a diverse, inclusive and safe space for performers of all backgrounds and values. While the group accepts actors and creatives of all ages, it focuses on highlighting senior performers or “seasoned” actors.
The theater group has routinely put on performances from all genres at local venues, such as “Lysistrata” and “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
Afternoon and evening shows of “Pets (and Their Humans)” are set to take place at the Bothwell Arts Center.
Evening shows are this Saturday (Aug. 12) and next Friday and Saturday (Aug. 18-19) at 7:30 p.m., and afternoon performances are at 2 p.m. this Sunday (Aug. 13) and next Sunday (Aug. 20).
For tickets and more information, visit encoreplayers.net.
