Chance Theater presents the World Premiere of Matinicus: The Story of Abigail Burgess. Written by Jenny Connell Davis. Directed by Katie Chidester. Produced by Rachelle Menaker & Eddie Schuller.
When Abigail Burgess (Aubrey Saverino) arrives at Matinicus with her father Samuel and the rest of the family to work on the lighthouse, she realizes that boredom and isolation will be her companion for a very long time. In addition, as Matinicus Rock Light is a windswept and treeless rock surrounded by water, supplies must be brought in from the mainland at intervals in order to survive for months.
At one point, a group of sailors stop at Matinicus to rest and eat. They stay for a while with Abigail’s family. When they leave, Samuel realizes that the sailors consumed most of the family’s food supplies. The ship that was scheduled to bring in more supplies to the family does not show up for its September delivery. Samuel has no other choice but to leave the family behind to buy food and oil for the lighthouse in order to survive the approaching winter. Before leaving, Samuel puts Abigail in charge of the lighthouse and the family. Right after he leaves, a storm approaches and now Abigail has to find a way to save the family from a deadly natural disaster.
Playwright Jenny Connell Davis includes details to show the internal conflicts of a family that faces the unknown in an isolated environment. The character of Abigail shows her own internal conflicts, facing the challenges of growing up in a small place as Matinicus with limited opportunities and much more responsibilities.
Actress Aubrey Saverino and Director Katie Chidester deliver a fascinating production, aided with excellent lighting and sound effects, that builds up the emotions in a crescendo that is engaging and entertaining. Saverino is an experienced thespian that skillfully navigates the nuances of a rich character, gestating the emblematic figure of a real-life hero. Her deliverance captures the lifestyles, frustrations, and ultimately, the hopes of a bygone era.
Matinicus: The Story of Abigail Burgess
Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Fyda-Mar Stage
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92807
May 13 – June 4, 2023; Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m.
Tickets: chancetheater.com
Written by Jenny Connell Davis. Directed by Katie Chidester. Starring Aubrey Saverino. Rachelle Menaker & Eddie Schuller are Executive Producers for this production. Bette & Wylie Aitken are producers for the entire 2023 Season and The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar are this season’s associate producers. Creative team: Cris Quick, Scenic, Lighting, and Costume Designer. Oscar Garcia, Sound Designer. Jordan Jones, Stage Manager. Jenny Jacobs, Dramaturg. Bebe Herrera, Props Master.
