When Well opens at the Cleveland Play House tonight, local theatergoers will get a jump on Broadway audiences, which won't see Lisa Kron's family comedy till March 30. "It's a remarkable coup for us," says Play House artistic director Michael Bloom, who's directing.
The play, starring Cleveland native Denny Dillon — a Saturday Night Live cast member in the early '80s — is based on playwright Kron's real-life relationship with her mother. "It's rare you find a play that is as zany as it is moving," says Bloom. Well eventually takes a meta turn, as Dillon (playing Lisa) begins narrating a one-woman show. Soon, a cast of supporting characters (including Mom) joins her onstage to offer memories, criticism, and advice. "It's really about Lisa trying to write a play and actually failing," says Bloom. "An amazing confluence of issues is dealt with in a very disarming and funny way." Well is at the Cleveland Play House's Drury Theater (8500 Euclid Avenue) through March 26. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $10 to $49.50, available by calling 216-795-7000.
— By Michael Gallucci
Tuesdays-Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 4 & 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Starts: March 3. Continues through March 26
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