Arthur Miller…Tennessee Williams…William Inge. These great American playwrights have written some rather spectacular dramas, plays that tell fascinating stories based on real people and real circumstances.
William Inge wrote well-known “Picnic,” “Bus Stop,” and “Come Back Little Sheba.” in 1957, he also wrote “Dark At The Top of the Stairs,” dedicating the play to Tennessee Williams whom he so admired.
Town & Country Players is presenting this drama June 14 through June 29 at their theatre on York Rd., Buckingham. It is not recommended for elementary age children.
Over the centuries, people of every generation have faced challenges. For the Flood family in the 1920’s, as with families even today, their test was a shortage of income, an inability to keep pace with their friends and neighbors and being barely able to provide enough food for themselves.
Life is changing dramatically in this Oklahoma town, but not from tornadoes. The whirlwind rage for the recently invented automobile of the early century is reducing the need for horses and carriages so fewer people need harnesses. But harnesses are what Rubin Flood sells.
Rubin’s income is drying up. He cannot provide for his family. He is angry and bewildered. He turns to drinking, trying to hide with buddies in the pool hall.
Meanwhile, his wife and two children are attempting to function normally, but the family is confused. His children feel inadequate. His worried wife, Cora, tries her best to be positive, to keep up the children’s morale, but secretly, she suspects Rubin is cheating on her. They fight often and, as with any family, the children are immensely affected.
Experienced director Kate Fishman commented, “This sensitive story about a family beset by problems is being brought to life by a very talented case. Audiences will be telling others about this play for weeks!”
The cast is comprised of actors from Bucks and Montgomery Counties: Shelli Pentimalli Bookler (Cora Flood) of North Wales, and Nate Mann (Sammy) of Rydal, Montgomery County.
All other actors are from Bucks County: Larry Krevitz, (Rubin Flood) of Holland, Annalee Tomanelli, (Reenie Flood) and Colleen Smith (Flirt Conroy) are from Chalfont.
Both Nicholas Tumolo (Sonny Flood) and Sarah LeClair (Aunt Lottie) are from Warrington. Jim Wolfe (Morris Lacey) is from Jamison.
Backstage volunteers also come from all over the Bucks County to help to produce the plays at Town & Country Players. This particular production team includes people from Quakertown to Newtown.
Contrary to Miller and Williams plays which end sadly, DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS offers rays of hope that the Flood family problems will be resolved.
Theatre companies know audiences tend to choose to see only happy plays. Town and Country is hoping enough people who appreciate good theater will want to experience this remarkable performance with five fine adult actors and four exceptional young people.
Tickets at $15 are available through http://www.brownpapertickets.org or by calling 1-800-838-3006 or at the box office before six performances on Fridays and Saturdays July 14, 15, 21, 22, 24, 25 at 8 PM and two Sundays, June 16 and 23, at 3 PM.

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Photo identification: L – R Shelli Pentimall Bookler, Jim Wolfe, Sarah LeClair, Nicholas Tumolo, Colleen Smith Annalee Tomanelli and Nate Mann(kneeling) Absent from this scene is Larry Krevitz as Rubin Flood