“Maisy” by Lundy Bancroft- play reading

Middle-aged and newly separated, Kenneth arrives at his elderly aunt Maisy’s house in search of family and possibly solace, only to discover her dementia and memories are not what he expected. A sometimes funny and sometimes frustrating afternoon of tea and revelations ensues.

Featuring Louise Krieger as Maisy and Lundy Bancroft as Kenneth. Directed by Jean Koester. Talk-backs after each performance. A donation at the door would be appreciated.

Performance dates: Saturday, Oct. 28, 7pm and Sunday, Oct. 29, 2pm.

Jean Koester: I have lived in the Pioneer Valley for 30+ years and have performed in the Valley for nearly as long. So, this role is a new direction for me – pun intended. Starting with The Dixie Swim Club in 2018, and then Dancing at Lughnasa last spring, I have had the pleasure of returning to directing, after a very, very long hiatus, and I love it. When I first read Lundy’s play, I immediately wanted to direct it. It is such a great pleasure to work with Louise and Lundy and I know you will enjoy their reading of Maisy.

Louise Krieger: Louise has been treading the boards on many Valley stages for the past few decades, most recently appearing as Emily Dickinson in The Belle of Amherst and as Hertha Ayrton in The Half Life of Marie Curie. A relatively new participant in The LAVA Center’s Readers’ Theater, she’s delighted to work with Lundy and Jean on putting Maisy at least partially on its feet in this reading format. In addition to feet, we think Maisy has heart AND legs, and look forward to sharing Maisy and Kenneth’s story with you.

Lundy Bancroft: Lundy’s recent roles include the villain Rev. David Lee in The Foreigner at Ja’Duke in Turners Falls, and Dr. Watson in Baskerville performed by the Outrageous Misfortunates in Williamsburg (sorry, not Williamstown — if only). There are a couple of additional roles he should have gotten but directors mistakenly cast someone else, probably due to a mix-up in phone numbers.

Maisy is the first play Lundy has written. He is also the author of a suspense novel, In Custody, which has thrilled the dozen, or perhaps even more, people who’ve purchased it.