photo by John Flak
Ronnie and Michael are on their way to the mountains, driving from Philly to the Poconos. In a snowstorm. Their car gets stuck, they find a house to stay warm and dry in, and soon they uncover so much about each other and their surroundings. In the world premiere play, The Flatlanders by Bruce Graham, audiences get to spend a little over an hour eavesdropping on this couple and how they interact with one another in an unfamiliar setting. It’s about to get uncomfortable in so many ways…
But don’t worry, if you’re familiar with 1812 Productions, you already know this is the only all-comedy theater company in the country. So Ronnie and Michael discuss their relationship, what they can’t stand about each other, and their situation in a (mostly) funny and sweet way. We learn they have been together for 14 years and, despite some back and forth about it, they’re on their way to finally get married. The snowstorm outside causes things to heat up inside and a will-they/won’t-they unfolds as the evening goes on.
They aren’t the only people we get to know though. To break up the tension that’s building between Ronnie and Michael, we learn about who the house belongs to and what that couple likes to do in their free time. You’ll be shocked!
Played by real-life husband/wife duo Jennifer Childs and Scott Greer, Ronnie and Michael show us that maybe all long-term relationships need to be thrown into a cabin in the woods with no cell reception for a weekend. And if you want to venture into the basement together, even better.
Flatlanders runs through February 18, 2024 at Plays & Players Theater. Tickets here. The production will continue at Delaware Theatre Company from April 17th through May 5th, 2024.
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