Rest

By Samuel D. Hunter

Directed by Martin Benson

Originally produced at South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa, CA.

March 28, 2014 through April 27, 2014

About the Premiere Production

A nursing home in northern Idaho is shutting down. Only three patients remain—and one of them is lost. Gerald, 91 and suffering from Alzheimers, has wandered off, leaving his wife Etta and her friend Tom. Remaining staff includes a new 20-year-old cook and two longtime employees, women suddenly faced with a crisis of their own. In the midst of a record-breaking blizzard, the search for Gerald takes an unexpected turn—as the others find themselves powerless in the face of an uncertain future. A tender and heartbreakingly funny new work.

Artistic Statement

Rest is compassionate and loving in a way that is breathtaking. Sam Hunter has the ability to write a story with characters in it that you deeply care about. They have problems that are so human and so understandable. It’s a beautiful work of art. Sam is definitely a rising star and has had a great deal of success already. I think this play is going to launch him into the stratosphere.

-Marc Masterson, Artistic Director

Grant Statement

Through the generosity of the Edgerton Foundation, each playwright and creative team will enjoy one extra week of rehearsal at SCR to refine the details of the production in advance of its world premiere. This additional collaboration time during the final phase of development will help these exceptional new plays reach their full potential.

Director: Martin Benson

Additional Funders: Individual donors serve as Honorary Producers: Mary Beth Adderley, Elizabeth and Ryan Williams.

News

Poignancy and quirkiness invigorate 'Rest' at South Coast Rep

Los Angeles Times, April 7, 2014

Raw memories in 'Rest'

Daily Pilot, April 3, 2014