In the middle of the night, Eliot Pryne, professor of English Literature -- specialty Shakespeare -- is packing what he thinks is a suitcase and leaving what he thinks is a hotel. In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, he is "taking leave" of the real world and imagining a new one, but the transition is painful. His alter-ego, seen only by the audience, charts this final voyage speaking as Eliot once did when he was the leading authority on Shakespeare's King Lear. The visitation of Eliot's three daughters, Alma, Liz and Cordelia, forms the central event of this oddly comic, yet fully sympathetic play. The decision -- whether or not to have Father put in a "home" -- provides the central conflict among the three very different sisters: the public school counselor, Alma; the TV actress, Liz; and the ne'er-do-well vagabond, Cordelia, who arrives in her black leather motorcycle outfit fresh from a year in Paris and a history of drug abuse. As in Shakespeare's play, it is the young Cordelia who assumes responsibility for her father and leaves us with the bittersweet realization that, while all will not be well, Eliot's taking leave will be a gentle one.

Filled with the often farcical behavior that goes along with this disease, and decorated with "good talk" from the literate professor and his daughters, this play had packed houses at the Denver Center laughing, weeping and finally standing and cheering. As the alarming number of Alzheimer's victims keeps growing, this play's relevance increases daily.

"The play is engrossing, vivid . . . assured and strong in theatrical values." -- Variety.

". . . a celebration of life." -- Anchorage Daily News.

". . . a rich new dramatic comedy . . . provokes a great deal of compassionate laughter. . ." -- BackStage West.

"Heartwarming is the operative word. . ." -- Denver Post..\

Robert Kern (rear), Bill Lee and Marisa Caprio.

Rachel Ryan and Lori Renick.

Rachel Ryan and Stephanie Silk (rear); Marisa Caprio and Bill Lee (front).

Rachel Ryan and Stephanie Silk (rear); Marisa Caprio and Bill Lee (front).

Robert Kern and Bill Lee.

Rachel Ryan, Stephanie Silk and Robert Kern (rear); Marisa Caprio and Bill Lee (front).

 

Marisa Caprio -- (Cordelia) is very excited to be a part of this talented cast. This is her first production since graduating Northern Arizona University last December and her first foray into professional acting, as her aspirations are to become a successful actress. Some other acting roles have included Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night's Dream, as well as playing ensemble characters in Taming of the Shrew and I Remember Mama. Along with performing, Marsi also has experience with the backstage, working on crews as costumer and Assistant Props Head. For her senior project at NAU she wrote and directed her own one act. She would like to thank her mother for her unconditional love and support.

Robert Kern -- (Eliot-1) ihas spent more than 30 years entertaining audiences (he hopes) in a variety of roles from homicidal maniacs to comic relief and directing comedies, dramas and musicals. His two favorite roles have been Sheridan Whiteside in The Man Who Came to Dinner and Henry in The Lion in Winter. Tonight, however, the most important person to him is you. Have a great time.

	Bill Lee -- (Eliot) is happy to be back again with Monmouth Players, having appeared here in December in Glengarry Glen Ross. Recently he was seen in Social Security at the Strand Theater; in Our Town and The Diary of Anne Frank with Shrewsbury Players; After Play, Proof and One of My Wives is Missing with Soar Productions; and in Brighton Beach Memoirs and A Christmas Carol at First Avenue Playhouse. Some favorite past roles were in My Fair Lady, Oliver, Two By Two, Sly Fox, Noises Off, Deathtrap, The Sunshine Boys and All My Sons. He thanks Sharon for all her love and support, and would like to especially dedicate this show to his mothe
	Lori Renick -- (Mrs. Fleming) is happy to be performing in Nagle Jackson's wonderfully heartwarming comedy drama Taking Leave. Her favorite plays are those that make the audience laugh a little, cry a little, and make you feel that you have spent a little time visiting family. Lori dedicates this play to all the families that have had to deal with an illness and wants you to remember to be kind and patient; it could be you someday!! Special hugs a kisses to Paul, Truman and Mandie - there's no better day than a day spent with you!!.
	Rachel Ryan -- (Alma) is happy to once again be taking the Monmouth Players stage. You may remember her as Rachel Scalzo, as she was recently married, and may recall seeing her in one of her favorites, such as Jakeís Women (Karen), The Laramie Project (various roles), One Flew Over the Cuckooís Nest (Nurse Ratched) or Dancing at Lughnasa (Maggie). Rachelís passion for the theater carries over into her job at Saint John Vianney High School where she teaches Theater Arts and serves as Theater Director, and to her church where she is an active member of The Good Foot Players. She would like to thank Siobhan for casting her, Paul, Lori and the board for their dedication, her mom, dad and sisters for all their support and her husband, Tim, for understanding her other passion.
	Stephanie Silk -- (Liz) is thrilled to be working with Lori, Paul, Siobhan and Monmouth Players again! She had the good fortune to appear in MP's hit evening of one-acts Love Is in the Air in David Ives Arabian Nights (Interpreter) and Erin Blackwell's Aimee (Madge). Stephanie has played, sang, and danced her way across many local stages, and in Marilyn Sokol's hilarious comedy review Guilt Without Sex at the Soho Playhouse. Film credits include Dead Dogs Lie which took home awards at both the Phoenix and Atlantic City Film Festivals. She and director Craig Singer are crossing their fingers and hoping ë08 is the year it gets DVD distribution. Thanks to this wonderful cast, and friends who come to support local theatre. You're the best!