Women In Mind at Sierra Madre Playhouse

Susan wakes up one day in her English garden after a bump on the noggin and finds herself living a dual existence. In one reality, she shares a loveless, sexless marriage with Gerald, the local vicar. They share their home with her sister-in-law, Muriel, an eternally grieving widow. Susan often finds herself short, sarcastic and bitter with both of them. Gerald and Susan haven't spoken with their son Ricky in two years. In her alternate reality, Susan has a doting husband, Andy, who is her ardent lover; a handsome, charming brother, Tony; and an adoring, devoted daughter Lucy, soon to be a bride. The one individual common to both existences is Bill, the local general practitioner. If she could choose her family, which do you think she'd pick, the former or the latter? The answer is neither obvious nor uncomplicated. This dark but often hilarious comedy with satiric undertones debuted in London in 1986. Written by one of Britain's most prolific and commercially successful playwrights, Alan Ayckbourn ("Absent Friends," "Absurd Person Singular," dozens more), "Woman in Mind" is one of his most brilliant and challenging works. It was last seen in Los Angeles twenty years ago, when Helen Mirren starred in it at the Tiffany Theatre. The Gala Opening on Friday, May 25 is preceded by a Champagne reception and light buffet at 7:15 p.m.