CRT’s 2013 ‘Sundays at Three’ presents ‘A Small Fire’

Clackamas Repertory Theatre’s fourth annual staged play-reading series “Sundays at Three” continues on April 14 with “A Small Fire” by Adam Bock. Directed by CRT Artistic Director David Smith-English, the show features CRT company members Cyndy Smith English and Michael Mitchell, as well as Kevin Michael Scott and Jennifer Whitten.

The Sundays at Three performances feature new works by American playwrights. The shows are a simplified version of the play, but the actors are carrying their scripts. The readings include lively post-show discussions, refreshments, and a behind-the-scenes backstage tour.

“A Small Fire” follows John and Emily Bridges, a long-married couple whose lives are upended when Emily falls victim to a mysterious disease. As her senses are slowly stripped away Emily resolves to remain engaged with her community, relying on John to help her run her company. But her stoic outlook reaches a breaking point when the disease steals her hearing, leaving her with nothing but touch to communicate with the world. Suddenly, she is completely dependent on the husband whose endless devotions she had always taken for granted.

“The play is…raucous, funny and unexpectedly touching, as we are made intimate witnesses to a frank demonstration of how much of life, of love and of happiness remain within reach even when so much appears to be lost.” –The New York Times

Neurologist John Hammerstad will help lead the post-show discussion.

The “Sundays at Three” series concludes May 5 with “Lonely I’m Not,” by Paul Weitz. All play readings are at 3 p.m. in the Osterman Theatre at Clackamas Community College. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online, at www.clackamasrep.org, at the door, or by calling 503-594-6047.