AT A GLANCE
What: "Time Stands Still," a drama/comedy produced by Scene One Theatre
Where: Scene One's new Jefferson City location at 619 E. Capitol Ave.
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25-27 and Sept. 1-3
Tickets: $15. Call the ticket line at 573-635-6713 or email sottickets@gmail.com
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For its first production at its new Jefferson City location, Scene One Theatre has chosen a Tony Award-nominated play about changing relationships between two dating journalists after they returned from covering the war in Iraq.
"Time Stands Still" also explores the relationship between their friend, Richard, a photo editor, and his new, younger girlfriend, Mandy, played by Kelsie Slaughter. She has performed previously with Capital City Players, but this is her debut performance with Scene One. The other performers are seasoned Scene One actors.
Sarah (Megan Wadley) is a photojournalist who has returned to her Brooklyn loft after being injured by an IED explosion while covering the war. Her boyfriend, James (Dan Zaiger), is guilt-ridden after leaving Sarah alone in Iraq. The play centers around their desire for a more conventional life.
"They're looking at life through the prison of seeing the worst of the world, and it affects their decisions," said director Mark Miles.
The set is a studio apartment featuring a real refrigerator. "We're trying to make it as realistic as possible," Miles said.
Their photo editor friend, Richard (Terry Schoonover) introduces them to his new girlfriend, Mandy, who is much younger.
"A lot of the comedy involves her trying to fit in with more sophisticated and worldly people," Miles said.
The play had its Broadway premier in 2010, and was performed in Columbia a few years ago. However, Miles isn't aware of it ever being done in Jefferson City.
"We're excited to be the show that opens the new theater," Miles said. "I think audiences will find it retains the intimacy of the older theater without some of the annoyances like the three poles that inferred" there.