The Gamm to Present Escaped Alone

The Gamm is presenting the Rhode Island debut of Caryl Churchill’s Escaped Alone from February 28 through March 17. The show runs along with Samuel Beckett’s Come and Go.

Carol Drewes plays Lena, a member of a group of older women who spend a summer of afternoons in a suburban backyard. They discuss grandchildren and lost keys, insomnia and a crippling fear of cats, chemical leaks and famine.

“It’s a very interesting play because it’s a story of the three best friends and then there’s another character who is newer to the group,” Drewes said. “At one point we break into four-part harmony and sing a song. There are a lot of very rich moments that have to do with shared history. At this time in the world and in the country, I think it’s a very uplifting thing. What ties people together, what keeps human beings moving forward together. I think we need that right now.”

Drewes admires the depth of Churchill’s writing, which gave the cast of actresses the challenge of interpreting the meaning of certain lines of dialogue. The rehearsal process has been rewarding for that reason, Drewes noted.

Drewes has appeared in several local productions, including Steel Magnolias at Encore Theater Company, The Cider House Rules at Artists Exchange and The Dixie Swim Club at Granite Theatre.

When she isn’t acting, Drewes is employed at Trinity Rep, where she is the individual and legacy giving officer. In her spare time, Drewes volunteers for the Manton Avenue Project and does voiceover work.

Audiences will find much to appreciate in Escaped Alone. Drewes added, “They will take away the strength of women, the importance of relationships no matter what your gender is, how people cope on a day-to-day basis, and how people support each other with humor. There is a tremendous amount of humor in this play that people might not expect.”

Escaped Alone runs from February 28 through March 17. The Gamm Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. Tickets: 401-723-4266 or gammtheatre.org.