Ordinary Day Press Release – September 24, 2018

Valley Players shines a light on end of life issues with the World Premiere of Bay Area playwright Lorraine Midanik’s Ordinary Day

Valley Players and the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater present Ordinary Day, a powerful play about Alzheimer’s and medically aided dying—October 5th through 13th at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville.

NAPA, CA, September 24, 2018 – Memory problems, sleeping pills, and an agreement swirl around the lives of Henry and Maggie as they struggle with their future in this WORLD PREMIERE by Lorraine Midanik. Sharp writing, wit and poignancy make this original work a don’t-miss event!

Henry’s Alzheimer’s has brought new challenges to Maggie and Henry’s long-term marriage. From his middle-of-the-night calls to plumbers when the “toilet is talking” to his need for constant supervision, Maggie is a supportive partner. However, it is taking a toll on her physical and emotional health. With few options, the couple makes a pact: when he is no longer able to remember Maggie’s name, she will allow him to end his life on his terms. Then one day, an ordinary day, it happens, and while Henry feels strong enough to go through with his plan, Maggie must navigate the fine line between keeping her word to her husband and her own need to be with him for just a little longer.

Please join us in the lobby after each show for talk-backs led by a Valley Players Board member.  The cast will be joined by one or more special guests including: Lois Wolk (Co-author of the End of Life Option Act), Bob Nations (CEO, Senior Helpers North Bay), Dr. Peter Morero (Owner, Senior Helpers Wine Country) and Lorraine Midanik (Playwright).

Ordinary Day is directed by June Alane Reif and features Karen Stern, Zachary Stockton, Debbie Baumann, Barbara Nemko and Patte Quinn. Produced by Valley Players thanks to the generosity of the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater and partial funding from Napa County Board of Supervisors, Ordinary Day is recommended for mature audiences.

Showtimes are October 5, 6, 12 & 13 at 7 pm and October 7 & 13 at 2 pm. Tickets are $20.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://lincolntheater.com/vbo/?page=selectevent&eid=27676&edid=0 (online purchasing fees apply), by calling the box office at 707-944-9900, by visiting the box office (100 California Drive, Yountville) Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 3pm, or at the door beginning one hour before show time.

About Valley Players

Founded in 2016, Valley Players produces professional quality, affordable theater in the Valley that focuses on plays with meaningful roles for women over 40. Valley Players wishes to extend special thanks to their partner in this venture, the Lincoln Theater which helped Valley Players launch their first production in 2017 and has partnered with the group on all its Napa performances since.