John D’Amato and his lover Annie Friedkin reunite after a long separation. At the same time Henry and Luisa Arden, an older couple, are returning to spend New Year’s Eve in the now-deserted house they built and lived in for many years. Their chance encounter leaves all of them forever changed.
John D’Amato and his wife Annie Friedkin reunite after a long separation. At the same time Henry and Luisa Arden, an older couple, are returning to spend New Year’s Eve in the now-deserted house they built and lived in for many years. John and Annie run off an icy road into the Arden’s brick wall and end up spending the night in the house. In the course of the evening, all four share humor and heartbreak as they compare their views of marriage. Their chance encounter leaves all of them forever changed.
IN THIS HOUSE
Book by SARAH SCHLESINGER, MIKE REID, and JONATHAN BERNSTEIN
Music by MIKE REID
Lyrics by SARAH SCHLESINGER
IN THIS HOUSE was developed by the Melting Pot Theatre Company in New York City; Larry Hirschhorn, Founding Artistic Director; Sean Patrick Flahaven, Managing Director
JOHNNY D’AMATO (late 20’s): is Italian-American, handsome, caring, and full of life. He is a policeman in Washington, D.C.
ANNIE FRIEDKIN-D’AMATO (late 20’s): is a triage nurse who specializes in setting up field hospitals in disaster sites, a job which takes her around the world. She is always wound tight and has a quick wit.
LUISA ARDEN (appears to be in her 60’s): is a simple but refined woman who spent her life in rural Virginia.
HENRY ARDEN (late 60’s): Luisa’s husband, is robust, dynamic, and full of curiosity about the world. He has a great sense of humor.
4 Musicians
Piano/Conductor (Keyboard 1)
Reed (Bb Clarinet, Flute)
Violin
Cello