CCPA presents 'Einstein and the Polar Bear'

The cast of "Einstein and the Polar Bear" includes (standing) Lynn M. Ewing III, Peter Carver, (sitting) Robert Kalthoff and Neil Shelley. Not pictured are Brandi Todd and Rachel Gravenmier.

Photo by Sarah Haney | Daily Mail Editor

Opening its doors for the first time in 2 1/2 years, the Community Council on the Performing Arts will light up its stage this week with the production of "Einstein and the Polar Bear," a play by Tom Griffin and directed by Al Fenske.

A romantic comedy, the play centers around famed novelist Bill Allenson (played by Peter Carver) who lives in a snowy New England town with his elderly father, Andrew Allenson (played by Lynn M. Ewing III). Bill is mentally and physically broken following the death of his wife, while his father is a man of few words... only interjecting occasionally to begin a story about how he met Albert Einstein in a coffee shop, which he never seemingly finishes. This is one of the subplots from which the play takes its title from, the other being a polar bear escaping from the local zoo that is being tracked by the locals.

Bill's life of solitude changes when a woman from New York City named Diane Ashe (played by Brandi Todd) has her car break down on her way to her aunt's house. Over the course of the evening, Bill and Diane’s personalities both attract and repel... ultimately blooming into an unlikely love.

The play also includes visits to Bill from locals, including the mailman Charlie Milton (played by Neil Shelley) whose desire to gossip is only matched by his need to increase his vocabulary.

Bob is also paid visits by Helen (played by Rachel Gravenmier), a disheartened woman who is trying to come to terms with her cheating husband Bobby Bullins (played by Robert Kalthoff).

A quick-witted and clever comedy, “Einstein and the Polar Bear” is a deep dive into character development and delivers on all accounts. With some mature themes and language, it is best to leave the kids at home for this production.

With showings at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (May 19-21) and a showing at 2 p.m., on Sunday, May 22, come join the CCPA at the Fox Playhouse (110 S. Main St.) for the first play back since the onset of the pandemic.

For more information, including ticket pricing, contact the Fox Playhouse at (417) 448-9449.