Friday, April 3, 2015

"Of Good Stock": A Compelling Family Drama Touches Hearts of Playgoers

On Friday, April 3, Of Good Stock elicited from the audience lots of laughter, a few achingly felt tears—and, in the end, a boisterous standing ovation.

Helping salute the playwright and artists in grand fashion was The Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar at the Avenue of the Arts Wyndham Hotel. As the management and staff have done so beautifully in the past, they threw a theme party that both echoed the play’s Cape Cod setting and satisfied the appetites of First Nighters.

Among the treats, lobster rolls, New England clam chowder and Boston cream pie. And the signature drink? A Stockton Smash, made, of course, with good scotch, which the play’s three Stockton sisters (and their significant others) would have appreciated.

The play “buzz” throughout the restaurant included these overheard phrases: “Love, love loved it!” … “I’m still laughing—and crying!” … “One of the best new plays I’ve ever seen!”

Honorary Producer Jane Taylor with Playwright Melissa Ross


Actor Melanie Lora and Wylie Aitken

Honorary Producers Jane & Richard Taylor, with Playwright Melissa Ross (center)


Damien Jordan, Teemu & Sirpa Selanne, Yvonne Jordan and Actor Rob Nagle

The stage is set for the cast, artists, board of trustees and donors at the First Nights Cast Party.


Jon Jenni, Ardelle St. George, Don Carnegie and Actor Corey Brill


Christy & Dale Shepherd


Stacy Hakopian, Playwright Melissa Ross, Olivia Johnson and Sarah McElroy


The Cast Party was sponsored by the Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar at the Avenue of the Arts Wyndham Hotel.


Wang & Misty Teng, with Tammy & Samuel Tang


Ellen Liefer, Elizabeth Rabosky, Barbara Cline, Dale Liefer, David Cline and Steve Rabosky


Scott & Edie Fischer and Tim & Janet Rafalovich


Dick & Nancy Millar, and Rose & Gary Guesman


Robert & Terri Burns


Diane & Chimo Arnold, with Linda Beimfohr & Kent Browning


Greg & Lia Janes, and Xiaolei & David Mashian