Play Explores the Challenges of Motherhood
The College of Southern Maryland's Cause Theatre will present “Benched,” a play about three women who meet every day at the same park bench to laugh, commiserate and complain about the challenges of motherhood.
In the comedy, Meghan (Katie Hutchison), Timby (Michelle Freire) and Joan (Andrea Templeton) don't even realize the co-dependent unit they have become, until one of them confronts one of life's powerful changes, and their connection is threatened in a profound and frightening way.
The Washington Post, in a review when the play was performed at Georgetown's National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, wrote, “…bright and funny one-liners. … In a series of scenes that are across months, 'Benched' grows less giggly as life pulls the three friends in different directions and reaches a poignant conclusion.”
This show contains some mature language and may not be suitable for all ages.
CSM's Cause Theatre is known for its challenging and timely productions that in the past have addressed topics ranging from health concerns such as substance abuse, sexual health and body image to social issues such as sexual orientation, racism, women's issues and sexual assault, and suicide. These performances have created a forum on campus where students can examine societal attitudes and behaviors.
The play, by Allyson Currin, will be performed at all three CSM campuses. It is being produced by special arrangement with the playwright.
Shows on the La Plata Campus at 8730 Mitchell Road will be 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22, 8 p.m. Sept. 23, and 2 p.m. Sept. 24. The Prince Frederick Campus Building B Multipurpose Room at 115 J.W. Williams Road will host the performance at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 29. The show will be performed at 8 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Leonardtown Campus Building A Auditorium at 22950 Hollywood Road.
Tickets are $5 for all seats.
The central box office for all three campuses is in the Fine Arts Center on the La Plata Campus. To reach the box office, call 301-934-7828 or email BxOffc@csmd.edu. Tickets are available online at http://www.csmd.edu/community/the-arts/season-tickets/. This year, theatergoers have the option of printing their own tickets.
Calendar
Calvert County
CSM Cause Theatre: “Benched.” 2:30 p.m. Sept. 29. College of Southern Maryland, Prince Frederick Campus, Building B., Multipurpose Room, 115 J.W. Williams Road, Prince Frederick. Play follows three women who meet every day at the same park bench to laugh, commiserate and complain about the challenges of motherhood. $5 all seats. bxoffc@csmd.edu, 301-934-7828, http://www.csmd.edu/Arts.
Charles County
CSM Cause Theatre: “Benched.” 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22, 8 p.m. Sept. 23, and 2 p.m. Sept. 24. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Fine Arts (FA) Building, Theatre, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Play follows three women who meet every day at the same park bench to laugh, commiserate and complain about the challenges of motherhood. $5 all seats. bxoffc@csmd.edu, 301-934-7828, http://www.csmd.edu/community/the-arts/theatre-and-dance/cause/index.
St. Mary’s County
CSM Cause Theatre: “Benched.” 8 p.m. Sept. 30. College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus, Building A, Room 206, 22950 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown. Play follows three women who meet every day at the same park bench to laugh, commiserate and complain about the challenges of motherhood. $5 all seats. bxoffc@csmd.edu, 301-934-7828, http://www.csmd.edu/community/the-arts/theatre-and-dance/cause/index.