Cyrano’s Theatre Company in Anchorage is presenting “4,000 Miles,” by Amy Herzog as its September production, playing Sept. 4 through Sept. 28.
Although the title may be reminiscent of the classic ‘On the Road…’ films with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby and the play is a romantic comedy, it is most certainly far richer in its exploration of the relationships between young and old. It is the story of a 21 year-old young man who, after a lengthy bike trip, finds himself visiting his 91 year-old grandmother who lives in New York City.
They are very different people. And the grandson arrives after a major loss, seeking comfort.
Charles Isherwood, in a 2012 New York Times review, describes the story as a ‘…beautiful rendered portrait of the relationship between an old-style lefty grandmother and her new-style lefty grandson….’
The play ran off Broadway in 2011 and again in 2012. In 2012, 4,000 Miles was named Time Magazine’s #1 Play or Musical of the year. And was a finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
People considering attending should not allow these credentials to deter them. Local audiences are very familiar with Linda Benson as Grandmother Vera. Her other roles in Anchorage include Maude in CTC’s “Harold and Maude.” The grandson is Jargon Carlson from last year’s “All the Great Books (Abridged).” Both were great hits with great fun for their audiences.
The Producing Artistic Director reminds seniors that there is always a “senior rate” and adds that Cyrano’s would be happy to offer a “senior group rate” for this play. Those who are now part of intergenerational relationships or beginning to enter into them will likely find it both amusing and informational.
