Tri-State Actors to perform ‘Rounding Third'

Sussex, N.J. — Tri-State Actors Theater began its 2006 season with the musical, “Always, Patsy Cline,” and will continue until Sunday, June 25, with “Rounding Third,” by Richard Dresser. The comedy highlights the hilarious and tumultuous journey of two Little League coaches through an entire season, from their first tentative meeting to the climactic championship game. Don, played by veteran actor David Volin, is the rough, blue-collar, win-at-all-costs long-time coach, and Michael, played by Bill Edwards, is the newcomer, a corporate executive who’s never played baseball before. Over the course of exhilarating victories, heartbreaking defeats and interminable rainouts, the two men battle over how to lead the team. Michael believes that coaches should shield the kids from intense competition, while making sure everyone has a good time. Don thinks they should teach the kids how to win. Written by Dresser, a playwright, father and Little League coach, the play really asks the questions: how should we raise our children, and what does it mean to be an American? Variety called the play “hilarious.” The Syracuse Post-Standard raved that it was “A comedy, [that] will have poignant, powerful moments for anybody who has ever had anything to do with children growing up.” The Seattle Times called it “An upbeat baseball comedy … a funny script that hums along … a play that poses the multiple-choice question: How important is winning to you? (a) Not that important. (b) Definitely important but not everything. (c) What I live for.” The play contains some mild adult language. Other news from Tri-State May brought the new and provocative play, “Handicapping” to the New Plays Reading Series on Tuesday, May 9 at the Crescent Theater with Mary Ann Hay, Freddie Maas, John Rochette, Katie E. Tame, and Eric Henry featured in the staged reading. While the audience was small, it was enthusiastic about the play and playwright, James McLindon. The next fundraising event, an idoor yard sale, will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 30 and July 1. The sale will feature household items, theater memorabilia, and much more.