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Emotional “Rabbit Hole” opens Friday on FCT stage

The Fauquier Community Theatre on Friday night will open a three-weekend run of Rabbit Hole, a 2007 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama that powerfully chronicles the survival of family members after an enormous loss of a loved one.

David Lindsay-Abaire’s play deals with grief, loss and the supreme effort people must make to comfort each other in those mournful days. How can a family cope with the pointless, accidental death of a 4-year-old child?

The play follows the journey of Becca (Ivy Elizabeth) and Howie (Danny Seal) through the aftermath of the tragic death of their only son, Danny, accidentally hit by a car. While Becca draws away from loved ones, averts offers of support from friends and family, and looks to escape from everything even remotely related to Danny, Howie puts all of his effort into hiding his emotions and pretending to move on.

Becca’s mom, Nat (Sandra DeRocha) sharply explores the grit and truthful notion of how grief is split up and unfairly measured and knows too well its long-lasting effects.

The play has some light moments that bring much needed laughter.

Katie Gorman exemplifies the role of comedic breath with her cool, calm and collected depiction of Izzy, Becca’s younger, immature sister. She is accidentally pregnant, which sets off complex feelings in Becca, who is convinced that the girl is simply not prepared for the complexities of parenting.

Cole Edwards completes the cast as Jason, a humble, relatable high school student with a sorrowful secret, but one who can still look forward to a full, rewarding life.

The cast brilliantly maneuvers through the complex emotions that follow a tragedy.

Director Ken Wayne and Producer Katy Benko-Miner lead the FCT production. 

The play will run for nine performances from Friday, Jan. 24, through Sunday, Feb. 9. The curtain at Vint Hill will rise at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and Sunday matinees will begin at 2 pm.

Tickets are $16 for students and seniors, and $18 for adults.

For more information and reserved seating, visit www.FCTstage.org or call 540-349-8760.