PORT ANGELES — In the opening scene of “Vignettes,” a new play commissioned by Camaraderie Cellars’ Don and Vicki Corson, wine plays a prominent role between an unhappy couple.
They’re looking at a divorce. Their bitterness is palpable. But in this breakup tale, things don’t go as you might expect.
Jennifer Johnson and Ron Graham are Stacy and Herb, the pair who drink, talk and wrangle their way toward a surprise ending in “Vignettes,” a kind of new varietal on the local theater scene.
With Camaraderie Cellars winery as the producer, the show opened Friday night and runs through Sunday with just three performances at the Port Angeles Community Playhouse, 1235 E. Lauridsen Blvd.
Curtain time is 7:30 Saturday night, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday; tickets are $15. A portion of proceeds from the Sunday matinee will benefit the Port Angeles Community Players.
“Wine is a vehicle,” said Don Corson, and Camaraderie’s aim is to keep the arts alive for the thirsty in this community.
He and Vicki have been supporters of the Port Angeles Symphony and other arts groups over the years, and now they’ve moved into theater, hiring playwright and director Rebecca Redshaw to write “Vignettes.”
This is a comedy about two people amidst a communication breakdown, said Graham.
“They’ve stopped talking,” said the actor, who can relate to this story since lack of communication ended his own marriage.
“You can’t let little things go,” he said. “The little things become big things.”
Yet this is a comedy, and “a lot of it is just pure enjoyment,” added Johnson. “But there will be things for people to think about in their own lives, their own marriages.”
Besides the less-than-blissful union, “Vignettes” explores other kinds of relationships, including an elderly widow’s rekindled friendship with her 30-year-old self.
And though Camaraderie Cellars wine is featured from the start, Redshaw said this isn’t about product placement.
“Camaraderie isn’t mentioned after scene one,” she said.
Wine is portrayed, however, as a soother of feelings; a facilitator of candor.
In addition to “Vignettes”, the audience will be introduced to another Redshaw original one-act, “Broadway Showtunes Game of Life,” featuring Charlotte McElroy, Elizabeth Kelly and Redshaw herself.
While “Vignettes” tickets will be available at the door, those who want to purchase in advance will find them at Port Book and News, 104 E. First St., and Camaraderie Cellars, 334 Benson Road in Port Angeles, and via www.BrownPaperTickets.com. For details, phone 360-417-3564.
