In The Next Room or the vibrator play

by Sarah Ruhl Directed by John Kolvwenbach
Tuesday - Saturday, August 5 - September 11
curtain: 8pm - Tickets: $25-$34 (students $17)

In the late 1800s, young Dr. Givings is obsessed with the marvels of technology and what they can do for his patients. His wife, Catherine, is only a bystander in her husband's world - listening at the door from the next room as he treats his female patients.

"Breathtakingly inventive... has the potential to be a modern masterpiece." [Los Angeles Times]

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Critic's Pick - Boston Globe: "WHAT's full-out, full-throttle style seems like an excellent fit for Sarah Ruhl's Tony-nominated play." more


Cape Cod Chronicle: 'The Vibrator Play' Is Creating A Buzz by Ellen Petry Whalen

"The new comedy, "In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play" is creating a buzz with its full-page newspaper ads and sold-out opening. (And yes, the play is about what you think it's about.) After a brief mainstream interlude, performing the classic 1945 play "Born Yesterday," Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater is back, doing what they are known for thought-provoking, push-your-comfort-zone, unpredictable dramas. Making its New England debut, Sarah Ruhl's "The Vibrator Play" (as it is commonly referred to) has been raising an eyebrow or two regarding the drama's taboo Victorian topic...

Set in the late 1800s, the play is an imaginative take on female roles in Victorian times combined with the effects of the well-documented gynecological devices that came about with the dawn of electricity. Its "therapeutic electrical massage" was reported to cure the all-too-common, Victorian medical diagnosis of "hysteria" in women (and the rare male case too). The play's message goes well beyond its titillating title, as it looks at the Victorian walls built between men and women and the lack of understanding about and interest in women's sexuality and their reproductive organs...

John Kolvenbach's expert direction results in a shocking yet touching look at Victorian social mores and sexual expression, all the while appropriately balancing the humor Ruhl has expertly woven into the period piece. The superb cast handles the delicate subject matter with aplomb. Fischer's energetic childlike curiosity and developing courage as she finds her voice is wonderfully portrayed. As the doctor, Bloodworth is surprisingly hilarious... Fraioli's enthusiasm is contagious as the emotional artist...

WHAT's tasteful and provocative production of "The Vibrator Play" shakes together an entertaining blend of history, laughter and shockwaves that continue to stimulate long after the comedy ends." read full review

Cape Cod Times: Good vibrations at WHAT by Debbie Forman:
John Kolvenbach's direction insightfully balances the comic and serious elements in the play. Stacy Fischer gives a sparkling performance as Mrs. Givings, a spirited woman, full of energy, yet troubled by her inability to nurse her baby. She is a contrast to the originally lethargic Mrs. Daldry, who with treatment is relieved of her symptoms and becomes an animated, compas sionate young woman. As Mrs. Daldry, Laura Latreille delight fully makes the grand leap from a cringing figure hiding behind a thick veil when she arrives for treatment to the lighthearted woman with roses in her cheeks who emerges from the doctor's office. Read full review

Cast:
Dr. Givings - Robin Bloodworth
Catherine Givings - Stacy Fischer
Sabrina Daldry - Laura Latreille
Annie - Valerie Stanford
Leo Irving - David Fraioli
Elizabeth - Chanda Hartman
Mr. Daldry - John Romualdi

Staff:
Stage Manager - Maureen Lane
Set Design - Ji-youn Chang
Lighting Design - John Malinowski
Costume Design - Carol Sherry
Sound Design - Nathan Leigh
Dramaturg - Dan Lombardo
Casting - Jeff Zinn/Norman Meranus
Production Manager - Ted Vitale

To view more production photos click on images below or here

Stacy Fischer, Robin Bloodworth, Laura Latreille

David Fraioli

Stacy Fischer, Laura Latreille