Swing State

by Rebecca Gilman

“I’m trying to move on. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do? Find closure and move on.”

 February 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16, 2025

 Directed by Zachary Chiero

Scenic Design by Charles Ford with Set Decoration by Mary Lynn Clark and Diane Panelli

Photography by Kara Cavalca

 Featuring:

Mona Wood-Patterson as Peg; Adam Fontana as Ryan; Cindy Laudadio-Hill as Kris: and Erika Vetter as Dani

 What Audience Members Said About Our Production of SWING STATE:

“It’s so real. I felt like I was there. I went on the whole journey with these characters.”

 “Astonishing. I’ll be thinking about this for a long time.”

 “One of the best plays I’ve ever seen. In Durango or elsewhere.”

 “Just wow. So loved and was moved by the play. All of the performances were fantastic and, wow, what a timely script! I cared so much about the characters and the themes were heavy but ultimately hopeful. What a play and what a delivery! Thank you for bringing this play to our coummunity – every detail and performance were extraordinary!”

 “After I saw it, I wanted to go hug my mom.”

 “Fantastic, gut-wrenching, thought-provoking play.”

 “I highly recommend that you see this well written, funny, intense, and emotional play! It is multilayered and will continue to affect you and spark discussion long after you leave the theater. The set, the actors and director are outstanding!”

 “To all four actors, I want to say that each of you, and collectively, delivered a very powerful, moving performance.   While my wife and I did not stay for the talk afterwards, it was mainly because we were both emotionally exhausted.  There was a lot to process and think about. Often in plays, I’m constantly aware that I’m watching actors playing their various characters, some doing it better than others.  In tonight’s performance of Swing State, I forgot that you were actors….. I was truly witness to the real lives of these four people…. to the tragedy unfolding. Superb.  Thank you.  I’m sure my wife and I will be discussing the nuance and major themes for a long time.”

 “Amazing story telling from set, props costumes lighting to the stellar ensemble acting from the cast. It is what theatre should be!”

 “Wonderful and timely.”

 “Just saw Swing State and I’m just blown away by the experience. I speak for myself and other audience members I sat with. We laughter and cried and cried some more at the multitude of messages we all needed to hear right now. OMG – the talent! Thank you to all the people who made this exceptional performance happen. We are so lucky to have Merely Players in Durango!”

 “I cannot begin to tell you how moving, troubling, compelling, and relevant your excellent production of Swing State was on Saturday evening. I intended to stay for the talk back, but found that every time I tried to speak about the play, I started to cry again. The choice of play was excellent, the delivery so compelling that I forgot that it wasn’t real. I am truly grateful. You enrich all of our lives here in Durango.  Please share with your team how compelling the acting was-each and every one delivered a New York City performance.”

 “There was not a dry eye in the audience following that terrific performance by your actors. They were amazing, truly.”

 “What an amazing show. I walked out last night simultaneously devastated and uplifted, with a reminder that maintaining hope is often more difficult than giving into despair. Beautifully acted and directed.”

A column about the show by Zachary Chiero:

https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/a-contemporary-drama-swings-into-merely-underground/

A column about the show by Judith Reynolds:

https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/from-tevye-to-ryan/

 Click here to see our program: