The first known use of the word friend was in the 12th century and it is one of the nicest terms in the English language. A friend is someone you cultivate and grow close to, someone you enjoy spending time with, find yourself laughing and crying with, more than an acquaintance, perhaps almost a member of the family. A friend is someone you seek out, to share conversation and activities with more often than not, and you two grow closer as time and activities increase and intimacies are shared. You are indeed fortunate if you can number more than one person in this sacred space.
Examining the status of your friends you might enjoy attending a new play “The Counter” by Meghan Kennedy already being extended until March 22 at TheaterWorks Hartford for your enjoyment and edification. Stop for a moment and think about your cadre of friends, how they entered your life and how rich they have made it become. While you cannot select your family members, your friends are purely in your perview. They will surely have a profound influence on your happiness and big and little life events.
Take for example a trio of people who work at or frequent a small diner in upstate New York, Justin Bolding’s Katie, who runs the establishment, and Tim Dekay’s Paul and Erika Rolfsrud’s Peg who share a history and come in for a cup of coffee and the occasional slice of warm coffee cake. Their lives intersect over a morning cup of brew and develop both roots and wings that change their connections.
Being tossed together changes the dynamics and strengthens the bonds. What starts off as casual conversations deepen into meaningful exchanges as Katie and Paul grow to know each other, learn each other’s backgrounds and test the waters between them with secrets. When those secrets take on a dangerous meaning, their tentative friendship is shaken at its fragile core. How Peg fits in to the picture is a revelation to Katie, one she has trouble accepting, When Katie adds her set of secrets to the confessions, their friendships are truly tested. Rob Ruggiero sensitively directs this thoughtfully meditative addition to TWH’s 40th season. Watch for a big anniversary party coming Saturday, May 16.
For tickets ($63.00), call TheaterWorks Hartford, 233 Pearl Street, Hartford at 860-527-7838 or online at twhartford.org. Performances are Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Additional shows are Feb. 28 at noon and 4 p.m. and March 12 at 1 p.m.
Donations of boxes of coffee and tea are being collected in the lobby.
Count your blessings, your friends, as you realize how much love and joy they add to your days and nights and enrich your minutes and hours over the years.
