Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven is running at its maximum with performances on both its C. Newton Schenck Mainstage and Stage II. "A Moon for the Misbegotten," by Eugene O'Niell, opened March 2 and will run until March 27 on the Mainstage. "The Romance of Magno Rubio," by Lonnie Carter, makes its New England premier on Long Wharf's Stage II from March 16 through April 3.
"A Moon for the Misbegotten" was O'Niell's last play. It was written as the follow-up to his "Long Day's Journey Into Night," an autobiographical story depicting his brother as an alcoholic and failing actor.
The play takes place in an old Connecticut farmhouse in 1923. It tells the story of an Irish family seeking to secure their stake in the farm. The father schemes to take advantage of the mutual adorations between his daughter, Josie, and his landlord, James Tyrone, Jr.
Josie is played by Alyssa Bresnahan, who has performed Off-Broadway and on television in hit series such as "Law and Order." James Tyrone, Jr. plays John Procaccino. Tyrone is no newcomer to Long Wharf - he has acted at the theater in "We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!" and "Down the Garden Paths." He has also performed on Broadway and on TV. Josie's father, Phil Hogan, is played by Bill Raymond, whose accolades Off-Broadway and on TV also precede him. The play is directed by Long Wharf's Artistic Director, Gordon Edelstein.
Carter's "The Romance of Magno Rubio" premiered worldwide in 2002, Off-Broadway, with the New York-based Ma-Yi Theatre Company. It uses text in Tagalog by Ralph B. Peña. The play is the second of three plays to run on Stage II for Long Wharf's "New American Voices" series, which aims to honor and celebrate the future of American theater.
"This season our audiences will indeed hear three new and distinct voices from three different parts of our American nation including voices of people never heard on our stage," Edelstein said.
"The Romance of Magno Rubio" is based on a short story by Filipino-American writer and activist Carlos Bulosan. Director and scenic designer Loy Arcenas has been with the play's production since its premier in New York.
The play tells the story of immigrant farm workers in 1930s California. Magno, one such laborer, answers a personal ad and falls in love with Clarabelle, a tall, voluptuous blonde from Arkansas. He begins dictating letters to Clarabelle for his more educated fellow worker to write down and send. The play continues with his story and of Clarabelle's desire for Magno, or at least his money.
For ticket information call the Long Wharf Theatre Box Office at (800) 782-8497. Prices range from $40 to $60. Student and group rates are available.
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