Ten Bucks Theatre to put on one-act plays

BREWER – Ten Bucks Theatre will present “An Evening of One-Acts,” a collection of three short plays selected especially to keep the audience in high spirits as the daylight gets scarce and the nights get long.

“Here We Are,” by the sardonic Dorothy Parker, details the initial hours of a marriage; “The Attempted Murder of Ms. Peggy Sweetwater,” a collaboration between John Ruston and Frank Semerano, shows what happens when amateur detective work runs contrary to reason; and the ever-popular “Duck Variations” by David Mamet appears to be a parkside conversation about waterfowl, until a touch of philosophy begins to steer the dialogue.

Though the settings are divergent, the plays illustrate the importance of successful communication. When misunderstandings ensue, it can be hard to right them. Fortunately, it is just this premise that makes for humor.

“An Evening of One-Acts” is, in several ways, an evening of novelty. The selection of multiple short pieces is a departure from the Ten Bucks Theatre typical format, but comes with the guarantee that there will be something for every viewer.

The ensemble features many faces new to the Ten Bucks stage. This is the directorial debut with the company for both Simon Ferland, who will direct “Attempted Murder” and “Duck Variations;” and Katie Toole, who will direct “Here We Are.” Ferland and Toole are frequent ensemble performers with Ten Bucks Theatre.

They also will assume the duties of production design, with Ferland conceiving thee sets and Toole reprising the role of costumer.

An Evening of One Acts plays at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17-18, and Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 23-25; and 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 19 and 26, at the Next Generation Theater, Center Street.

Visit tenbuckstheatre.com for more information and to reserve tickets. Admission is $10, $5 with student ID.