Event

Everything in the Garden

"Everything in the Garden" is unexpected fare for a community theatre production.

The themes beneath the surface of this play include the corruption of money, the rottenness of a bigoted suburbia in the "good old days" of the 1960s, where conformity to your neighbors' standards and a hypocritical show of respectability are all that count.

Master playwright Edward Albee also manages to find some humor in the uncomfortable situations that play out onstage.

The scene is the suburban home of Jenny and Richard. The only thing that seems to stand in the way of their happiness is a lack of money.

The action starts in an entertaining comedy-of-manners style. Then, abruptly, there enters a Mrs. Toothe, a menacing and fascinating person who offers Jenny the opportunity to make more money than they have ever had, to buy a greenhouse and all the other luxuries that they require for their garden and their lives.

Richard's realization that their newfound money is being earned by his wife's activities comes almost simultaneously with the return of their 14-year-old son from school and a champagne cocktail party, which they are giving to impress their country club friends. As a result, his horror, disgust and rage has to be kept under wraps in order to keep up essential appearances.

The play is directed by Scott B Randall and features stage favorites Brianne Bailey-Green, Vicki Maxey, John Klise and Justin Tinsley.

Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.