Farmington Valley Stage Company Prepares for Debut Production

The Farmington Valley Stage Company, in Collinsville, is busy preparing for its debut production of "The Memory of Water" later this month. 

The Shelagh Stephanson production offers a sobering yet hilarious take on how a mother's death brings out the best and worst memories and emotions in three sisters and the men in their lives.  

The play, set for Sept. 14 to 29, will be the debut production of the company, which involves several veterans of the former Park Road Playhouse, including artistic director Howard Hirsch of West Hartford. 

In April, Canton selectmen authorized Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner to enter an agreement with the company to use the auditorium at town hall.

The theater company moves into Collinsville as many changes are happening in the village. Francesca's Wine Bar and Bistro is set to open later this month in the former locale of Husk: New American Tacos at 105 Main St. Also expected to open this fall is Wilson's Pub, a bar and restaurant the Witkos family will operate from the former Fireplace Cafe location, run for numerous years by the late Bill Wilson. Other improvements in the works include sidewalk reconstruction on Main Street and revamped restrooms at Town Hall. 

In addition, company scenic director Howard Hahn and others are busy building a set and making other improvements to the stage area. While still a work in progress, Tuesday evening the stage was complete enough to accommodate the actors.  

Cast Members in the Memory of Water Include: 

• Dorothy McKeon of Simsbury: Vi 
• Jennifer Ouellette of Vernon: Mary 
• Vanda Doyle of Windsor: Catherine
• Karen Balaska of Somers: Teresa 
• Mark Ohanesian of New Britain: Mike 
• Kevin Reid of New Britain: Frank

Patch will have more details about the production as it nears but ticket prices and other details can be found at http://www.fvstage.org/