John Westling (as Rob Holden) and director Joseph Jones in rehearsal
(KEARNY, NJ) -- The West Hudson Arts & Theater Co (WHATCo) presents Love and Communication, a play by award-winning Princeton playwright James Christy Jr., as part of its River's Edge Stage series the weekend of December 6-7, 2024. This limited production follows the surreal journey of parents desperate to find the right treatment for their autistic son, only to find their efforts putting their marriage at risk.
The cast includes John Westling and Jenny DeCelles as parents Rob and Megan Holden; Byron Hagen as Silverman; Miranda Madrazo as Julia; Arian Bairami as Ephraim; and Vanessa Jimenez as Regina. Swings are Jim Phillips and Allyssa Hynes. In addition to director Joseph Jones, producers are Bernadette Oberndorf and Allyssa Hynes, with lighting design by Luis Andrade, sound design by Jim Miller, and stage management by Mariam Syed.
Love and Communication opened as a play at Passage Theatre in Trenton in 2010, winning the prestigious Brown Martin Barrymore Award. It was recently made into an independent film which has been screened around the world winning an Audience Award and Indie Spirit award from a sold-out East Coast Premiere at the New Hope Film Festival. “WHATCo is excited to facilitate this important discussion with our community., shared Brandi-Leigh Miller, WHATCo President. “The story, touching on the universal need for connection, will resonate with all families, not just those parents and families in the autism community.”
Jenny DeCellea (as Megan Holden) and John Wesrling (as Rob Holden) in rehearsal
WHATCo’s River’s Edge Stage is a series of thought-provoking works and discussions. Love and Communication will be presented as a staged reading followed by a talk-back discussion with the playwright, cast, and other autism advocates about the personal impact of autism on families. It is rated PG-13 for strong language and mature themes. The performance will take place at the Arlington Players Club, 12 Washington Place, Kearny NJ at 7:30pm.
Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for students and seniors available at whatconj.org/tickets. Some tickets may also be available for sale the evening of the performances.
Director Joseph Jones and Vanessa Jimenez (as Vanessa) in rehearsal
The mission of West Hudson Arts and Theater Company (WHATCo) is to be a cultural resource that will enrich and invigorate the West Hudson community as a whole while embracing, educating and entertaining people of all ages, cultures and abilities. Through a range of quality theatrical productions they seek to stimulate, celebrate and enhance the understanding of theater while fostering and inspiring growth and creativity in their members. They strive to be a resource for both the residents and businesses of the greater West Hudson area and to enrich the cultural depth, education and vitality of the community at large.
