Farmington Valley Stage Company Debuts Friday

Howard Hirsch has directed productions since the Park Road Playhouse theater group ceased operations in 2009 but the excitement is building as he prepares to lead another full-fledged theater operation.

This week Farmington Valley Stage Company prepares for its debut with "Memory of Water" by Shelagh Stephanson.

"I'm thrilled to death," Hirsch said. 

"Memory of Water" will be the first-ever play from the group, which is operating out of Canton Town Hall. 

Hirsch said he believes people will be impressed with the passion and talent of the volunteer actors, who work all day and still rehearse for several hours at night.

"I'm really excited for people in the area to see the talent coming in," he said. "These guys do it for the love." 

In addition it is simply fun for he, the crew and the actors, he said. 

"It's the most exciting, fun filled, creative and thrilling venture you can take," said Hirsch, a West Hartford resident. 

The company will provide a lot of variety in its productions, Hirsch added. 

He said he is also thrilled to be part of an area with such a rich history and a vibrant community. 

Cast Members in the Memory of Water Include: 

• Dorothy McKeon of Simsbury: Vi 
• Jennifer Ouellette of Vernon: Mary 
• Vanda Doyle of Windsor: Catherine
• Karen Balaska of Somers: Teresa 
• Mark Ohanesian of New Britain: Mike 
• Kevin Reid of New Britain: Frank

The Memory of Water starts Sept 14. and continues Sept. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29. The play is about three sisters dealing with the death of their mother and their relationships with her, men and each other. Despite the serious subject there are plenty of laughs as the family dysfunction is ripe for satire. There is some strong language and mature subject matter.

Individual tickets are $22 and $25. Season packages are also available. For more information, log on to http://www.fvstage.org/