Vesta

For its final production before going out of business Terra Nova Theatre presents the area premiere of Vesta, a new play about end of life, at the Upstart Crow Studios February 3, 4, 10, 1l, 17, 18 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday February 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Brian Harnetiaux’s play covers the last five years in the life of Vesta Pierson, a vibrant and feisty widow. Without a degree Vesta rose to circulation manager of the university library, becoming the go-to person when students had questions about language. “Ask Vesta,” they always said. Before she retired the university gave her a well-deserved honorary degree.
Her retirement is filled with activities until the day she has a stroke, which brings her family back into her daily life. How Vesta and her family adjust to each other as Vesta’s health deteriorates forms the heart of this powerful life-affirming story.
Veteran actress Rebecca Nachison plays Vesta. Nachison is well-known to Eugene audiences for her many roles with the Lord Leebrick Theatre, among them Beverly in Suicide Weather and Lady Windermere West Moon Street. Equally well-known is Nancy Hopps, who plays Vesta’s stiff daughter Carol. Hopps played Kate the shrew in Taming of The Shrew and the title character in Sylvia, both for Lord Leebrick.
Comic Alex Elkin plays Carol’s husband, Jack. Elkin, too, is a veteran stage actor who hosts the daily afternoon comedy show on KTHH, AM 990. He played the psychiatrist Dysart in the LCC production of Equus. Jessica Ray plays Carol’s daughter Kelly. A student at the U of O, Ray has played major roles including Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. Another veteran actor, Ron Judd, plays the earnest social worker, Marc. He recently appeared in the OFAM production of The Sound of Music.
Vesta is directed by Jonathan Siegle. A founding director of Terra Nova Theatre, Siegle has directed more than 200 plays and musicals. He has studied at the Dell’Arte School, the University of Oregon and the Globe Theatre in London. Memorable local performances in Lane Summer Musical Theatre include Babtista in Kiss Me Kate and Mayor Shinn in The Music Man, along with Levene in Glengarry Glen Ross, for TNT.
Vesta is being produced for Hospice of Sacred Heart. Sponsors include Pneu-Med and New Horizons In-Home Care. Proceeds from the production go to support Hospice programs and Courageous Kids.
Terra Nova Theatre, founded by Dorothy Velasco, Phil Dietz and Jonathan Siegle, has retired its charter and donated its theatre equipment to Upstart Crow. The production of Vesta introduces local audiences to an improved theater at 855 1st Street, including a fully functional stage lighting system.
Tickets are $15. Seating is limited at Upstart Crow; reservations are recommended. Call 541.242.8755 for ticket information.
For further information visit www.peacehealth.org/sacred-heart-riverbend.