“There are so many children out there who need to be cared for, and we hear about the difficulties of finding them a good home, but we rarely get to see it so closely, especially in a play,” Kent said. “Our baby, Luna Gale, is literally caught between two young parents who are trying to figure out what they’re doing and the care system society put into place that doesn’t really know what to do with her. And then there are the extraneous elements. The grandmother wants her, but is she the right choice to raise her young granddaughter? Luna’s parents do not want their child to be raised by the grandmother, but should they have a say? There are so many variables. In the end, there is a baby girl without a home.”
“Every character in this play is multifaceted and is presented as a real human being who makes flawed decisions based on their past experiences and biases,” echoed Cassandra Engber, who plays Luna’s grandmother Cindy and notably starred in Kent’s outstanding 2013 Guild production of “Time Stands Still.” “Each character thinks they’re doing the right thing for Luna Gale, but they can only see the picture from their perspective. Each individual perspective misses other pieces, but the audience gets to see the complete picture. This play is so textured and has so many emotional layers that it’s captivating to try to figure out what is going to happen next. Just when you think you have a handle on it, things change.”
The cast includes Cheryl Mellen as Caroline, Kayla Graham and Andrew Poplin as Luna’s parents Karlie and Peter, Timothy Moore as Caroline’s bureaucratic supervisor Cliff, John-Michael Lander as Cindy’s spiritual advisor Pastor Jay, and Heather Atkinson as Lourdes.
Gilman’s plays include “Spinning Into Butter,” which received its local premiere at the Human Race Theatre Company in 2001, and “Boy Gets Girl,” which received its local premiere at the Guild in 2003.
“Each and every child is a huge responsibility, and most social workers have the lives of many children in their hands,” Kent reminded. “Those decisions are often made quickly and the results of those decisions affect many lives forever. This little play carries a huge message. It’s about a lot of people trying to do the right thing. Sometimes succeeding and sometimes not.”
WANT TO GO?
What: "Luna Gale"
Where: Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton
When: Jan. 20-Feb. 5; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 5 p.m. (with the exception of the Jan. 21 performance at 8 p.m.); Sundays at 3 p.m.
Cost: $19 for adults; $17 for seniors; $12 for students.
Tickets/more info: Call (937) 278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org
FYI: The play contains adult language
About the Author