Jack Neary '73 Presents Lowell-Based Play "The Porch" in June
05/13/2011
By
Julia Gavin
The UMass Lowell Center for Arts and Ideas will present alum Jack Neary's "The Porch" June 2-4, bringing live, locally created theatre to the University’s Inn & Conference Center.
Three Lowell ladies sitting on a porch in 2002 sharing stories of their long lives are sure to have interesting and humorous insights on life, especially as characters in Neary's play. Friendship, heartbreak, Monica Lewinsky, and a surprising mystery are the hot topics the author and director addresses through the women who have long since lost their filters.
The play, which has already been performed at other theatres, has earned many positive reviews from critics and audiences before coming home to Lowell.
"Jack Neary's 'The Porch' is everything theatre should be. It is endearing, drop-dead funny, heartbreaking and, in the end, triumphant. I left the theater thinking to myself, Gee, I wish I'd written that," said Dick Flavin, Emmy-winning author and humorist.
The production will be a complete night out for audience members, with dinner served before the show. The June 2, 3, and 4th 8 p.m. shows will be preceded by dinner at 7 p.m. The June 4 matinee will start with a 1 p.m. lunch, followed by a 2 p.m. curtain. Tickets are $45 per person, including food, and can be reserved by calling 978-984-3151.
"The Porch," produced by Actors Inc., is a continuation in Neary's long connection to Lowell, where he was born. Neary graduated from Lowell State College in 1973 with a B.A. in English and has been deeply involved in local and national theatre since. His work has been produced across the country, including the plays “First Night,” “Divine” and “Kong's Night Out.”
Neary has directed many productions including shows at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre and the Lyric Stage Company of Boston. He is also the co-founder and was the first artistic director of New Century Theatre at Smith College. More of Neary's work can be found at
www.jacknearyonline.com.