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The Encore Players are set to present the story of one couple’s pursuit of parenthood.
Written by Lisa Loomer, “Expecting Isabel” begins with “fun and games”, but the mood shifts when the duo discover they are unable to conceive, producer Bill Leach explained. They go on to explore artificial means of conception and adoption, learning along the way that families are formed in a variety of ways.
“If there is a message in the story, it is to young couples trying to become parents to hang in there — to keep trying and someday laugh remembering the people they met en route,” Leach added.
Director Jim Lobao was initially apprehensive about overseeing the production, but he came to realize that he could bring comedy and sensitivity to the shows.
“The comedic parts need to follow the vein of real life and not be campy just to get a laugh,” Lobao explained. “The more serious parts need to be portrayed with empathy and compassion and respect the boundaries of a personal journey that is unique to everyone.”
To reach a level of emotion that resonates with the audience, Lobao and lead performers Amanda Farmer and Justin Nilsen worked with an intimacy coach.
As a first-time experience for the trio, the actors have grown in their ability to deliver an authentic performance, Lobao said.
“Even after 2-1/2 months of rehearsals, their performances are still bringing me and the cast to tears,” he said.
The crew includes Farmer, Nilsen, Marsha Howard, Martha McDowell, Geoff Lanerdo, Chris Hurst, Kelsey Tresemer, Heidi Amstrup, Ron Correll-Feichtner, Desty Shoemaker and Nancy Grover.
The production is scheduled for 7 p.m. on May 2, 8-9 and 2 p.m. May 3 and 10 at the Bothwell Arts Center in Livermore. For tickets, visit livermorearts.org.
