The Beginning of Summer
by Horton Foote
October 21 – November 20, 2005

This “lost” work by master American playwright Horton Foote received its initial staging at Quotidian on the fiftieth anniversary of its creation. This powerful look at a shattered marriage examines how manipulation and misplaced values can destroy lives in Harrison, Texas, in 1955.

Directed by: Jack Sbarbori
Featuring: Jane Squier Bruns, Beatrice Judge, Steve LaRocque, Stephanie Mumford, Timothy Phelps, Ted Schneider, and Sherry Tyra, David VanOrmer

Steve LaRoque & Jane Squier Bruns in Horton Foote's The Beginning of Summer

…director Jack Sbarbori and his cast bring the time to elaborate life. The staging is deliberate and languidly paced, much like life can be at times. With Mr. Foote's writing and Mr. Sbarbori's set, the entire piece seems like we are peeking into the living room of a neighbor family on the verge of collapse. The cast does an admirable job… Mr. Foote has a great talent for capturing the essence and time of a place and its people. - Rich See, CurtainUp

…perfect direction throughout. …a nice sentimental quality to move the play forward… A most comfortable Texas set… This is a fine family show… that totally pleases. - Bob Anthony, AllArtsReview4U

…the period settings are first-rate. The leads – Mumford, Bruns, and especially LaRocque – are very good. Even better are Schneider and Tyra as the white trash couple from hell. - Doug Krentzlin, The Examiner

Timothy Phelps & Stephanie Mumford in Horton Foote's The Beginning of Summer