The cast of Sherburne Music Theater Society's production of "August: Osage County." SMTS will be performing the play at 7 p.m. on August 1 and 2 p.m. on August 3 at the Earlville Opera House. (Submitted photo)

EARLVILLE - The cast and crew of Sherburne Music-Theater Society’s (SMTS) next production has been hard at work on Tracy Letts’ 2008 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play "August: Osage County."

The drama is a powerful, darkly comic exploration of family, identity, and the wounds that bind us, featuring two performances at the Earlville Opera House on August 1 at 7 p.m. and August 3 at 2 p.m.

When Beverly Weston, the Weston family patriarch, disappears one hot August evening in rural Oklahoma, the estranged family members are called back to their childhood homestead. What begins as a search for answers quickly unravels into a collision of long-buried secrets, biting humor, and explosive confrontations.

At the center is Violet Weston, the sharp-tongued, pill-popping matriarch battling cancer. She is joined by her daughters, Barbara, Ivy, and Karen, with their problematic lovers, who harbor their own deep secrets. In the mix are Violet’s sister Mattie Fae, well-trained in the Weston family art of cruelty, and her husband Charlie with their son, Little Charles. Also included is an outside observer of the chaos, the quiet, strong Cheyenne housekeeper Johnna, hired by Beverly before he disappeared.

As three generations gather under one roof, tensions build, and grief and resentment boil over, forcing the family to confront the truths they've long avoided.

The cast is made up of experienced local actors who have delved deep into the complex characters who make up this show.

“This is a play that I have wanted to direct since I saw it at another theater. It resonates with so many parts of life. The characters are so real and so true," said Donna Moren, director of the show and longtime SMTS member. “The women and men at the center of this play are being brought to life by a wonderful, creative, hardworking cast that I am loving working with. It has been an exciting creative process.”

The cast includes Max Collins, Will Doonan, Karen Kawa-Doonan, David Dunham, Colleen Law-Tefft, Craig Natoli, John Hunter Orr, Letta Palmer, Debi Pierce, Josie Pierce, Ketherine Safavizadeh, Keven Simmons, and Melanie Simmons.

SMTS is thrilled to be performing once again at the Earlville Opera House, located at 18 East Main St. in Earlville. Tickets are available through the Earlville Opera House online ticketing system at earlvilleoperahouse.showare.com/augustosagecounty or by calling 315-691-3550. 


Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students. Please note: service and convenience fees will be applied. 
Tickets will also be available at the door, based on availability, on the days of the shows. Purchases at the door are cash or check only, no fees added.

Don’t miss this show! There is a mature content advisory for this show. "August: Osage County" is presented by arrangement with Dramatists Play Services, Inc.

This project is funded by Earlville Opera House's Arts in the Community Grants Program, made possible by the NYS Legislature with support of the Office of the Governor, and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.

Since its official incorporation in 1970, Sherburne Music-Theater Society has become an award-winning community theatre who are dedicated to excellence, while providing an opportunity for talented local thespians and musicians to utilize their skills. They have provided many audiences with memorable performances and statewide recognition.

SMTS is a member of the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS). For more information, please find us on Facebook or email us at info@sherburnemusictheater.org.

-Information provided by the Sherburne Music Theater Society