Flyleaf's Second Opener Fits Mission

The Flyleaf Theater Company's second season starts Friday with a show that "very much fits our mission," Director Ken Orben says.

"Falsettos" runs from June 14 to June 23 at the 1870 Town Hall, 12 Woodward Ave., Berlin. The Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m., while the Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $10 for Berlin residents.

Flyleaf was . Eldridge is the music director for "Falsettos."

"We look for smaller, ensemble shows that challenge both the cast and the audience, and make them think," Orben said during rehearsal last Thursday night.

"In that aspect, the show fits perfectly."

The show is based on a book, lyrics and music by William Finn and James Lapine.

Finn is from Natick, but "unfortunately is not around for the next couple of weeks. He's on a project down in New York," Orben said.

Finn is aware of Flyleaf's production, Orben said.

"It's always nice to see companies perform your work. And also nice to see a local company perform your work," he said.

The story focuses on Marvin, who "has left his wife for a gay lover. His wife, then, becomes involved with Marvin's psychiatrist. In the meantime, their young son is preparing for his bar mitzvah," Orben said.

The first act is set in 1979. The second act is set in 1982.

"About halfway through the second act, you actually start to see the beginning of the spread of the AIDS epidemic," Orben said.

"The end of the show is very much involved in that. It's the type of show that will have you laughing one moment and tearing up a minute later."

Doug Hodge, who plays Marvin, is a "very, very good fit for the role. (He) has wonderful instincts," Orben said.

Trina is Marvin's ex-wife.

"Trina is a character that is very put upon," Orben said.

"She has done her best among the years trying to hold this family together, and her husband left her anyway for somebody else. She's tried to make everything perfect, and she's tried to make everything work, and you can see that constant stress and frustration."

Nicole Kirrane, who plays Trina, is "a stay at home mom of four. So, she very much understands the put upon part of it as far as trying to hold a house together with all of these kids," Orben said.

Zachary Fuller plays Jason, who is Marvin and Trina's son.

Fuller "will absolutely steal the show," Orben said.

"He's polite, professional, and (we're) looking forward to seeing good things from him," he said.