Popular characters from two of Kenneth Grahame’s classic stories come together in The Open Eye’s holiday production of “Dulce Domum” (from Grahame’s ageless book “The Wind in the Willows”), when a group of caroling Mice visit Mole and Rat on Christmas Eve, and perform “The Reluctant Dragon” as their play within the play. Adapted for the stage and directed by Amie Brockway, with music composed by Elliot Sokolov, the play opens at The Open Eye Theater in Margaretville on Friday, December 12, and runs through Sunday, December 28.
Starring in the multi-generational cast are Open Eye veterans Marcy Thorn as Mole and Elizabeth Kemble as Rat. Kathleen Rostad plays Roscoe Mouse and the Dragon, Michael Casabianca is Edward Mouse and the Shepherd, Kylie DeMaio is Charlotte Mouse, Ryleigh Goodchild is Renae Mouse and Maria, Emma Rotella is Harold Mouse and the Boy, Niamh Walsh is Selina Mouse and St. George. Ginny Scheer is Willow Wren (who plays the flute), and MacKenzie Hynes, Jeff Lehn, and Tea Mattice are Sheep and Villagers. Patricia Brannen plays keyboard and is stage manager. Erwin Karl has designed the innovative set and lighting.
“Dulce Domum” (Sweet Home) finds Mole and Rat, who live together at River Bank, out for a walk on a brisk Christmas Eve. They pass by fields of Sheep, stroll through the village where they look into windows to see people preparing for the holiday, and out into the countryside again where Mole suddenly catches a whiff of his old home, Mole End. Struck with homesickness, he pleads with Rat to help him find it. In time, they make their way to Mole’s old home, where caroling Mice come to call, accompanied by Willow Wren and her flute.
Mole and Rat invite the Mice in to warm themselves by the fire and have some cookies. Then, they ask the Mice if they can perform a play. Charlotte Mouse, the leader of the carolers, begins to tell the story of “The Reluctant Dragon,” and the other Mice take on roles. The Shepherd and the Villagers are afraid of the Dragon, but the Boy knows the Dragon does not want to hurt anyone. In fact, the Dragon wants only to enjoy the beautiful scenery and write poetry. The Villagers call on St. George to slay the Dragon, but the Boy, the Dragon, and St. George come up with a better idea.
Open Eye Board Member Gail Lennstrom said, “‘Dulce Domum’ means Sweet Home, and we, the audience (no matter what our spiritual affiliation), identify with Mole as he seeks his sweet home at Christmas. Please join us in support of our local actors of ALL ages in this delightful holiday show, celebrating with your neighbors at The Open Eye Theater in the community we all call our Sweet Home. Oh, and I understand there will be cookies and cocoa for all!”
Student matinees are available free of charge to local school groups on Thursday, December 11 and Friday, December 12, at noon. Reservations are essential. Phone 845-586-1660 or e-mail openeye@catskill.net.
Public performances are Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 at 7 pm; Sunday, December 14 at 2 pm; Saturday, December 27, at 7 pm, and Sunday, December 28 at 2 pm. Tickets are $10. Teens and children accompanied by an adult are free of charge. Seating is limited to 60 per performance, so reservations are advised. For further information and reservations phone 845-586-1660 or e-mail openeye@catskill.net. Reservations for Dinner & Theater or Brunch & Theater maybe be made at Summerfields at 845-586-1111 or at the theater.
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. It is also made possible with funds from the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation, the Hudson Valley Foundation for Youth Health, and a special grant from the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America.
