Missouri Playwright Lanford Wilson’s illuminating, poetic look at Small town life, complete with murder and mystery. Not your grand-daddy’s small town play.
Every bit a genius, playwright Lanford Wilson is best known for his Talley’s Folly trilogy, but his mad skills, keen perception and spot-on social commentary are on full view in “Book of Days,” his vivid slice-of-life play set in the small-town location of Dublin, Missouri. Deceptively enchanting on its surface, this isn’t Grover’s Corners. Small-town drama turns to murder mystery when local community theatre actress Ruth scores the lead in the community theatre’s production of Shaw’s St. Joan. When her boss, Walt, owner of the local cheese factory is killed one stormy night, everyone accepts the “accident” thesis—But Ruth/Joan won’t let it go. As stubborn as the original Saint, she’s determined to get to the truth, even if there’s hell to pay, which is suggested by the local minister and others who stand to benefit from his death. Small-town drama, sometimes very funny, gives way to a gasp-worthy murder mystery and a glaringly intimate look at human nature, honesty and hypocrisy landing us with a pitch-perfect play and a moving portrait of a woman who discovers her own determination and fearless courage in the face of those who’d rather settle for money and power. Populated by 12 vivid characters portrayed by 12 of KC’s own, “Book of Days” is one of Wilson’s best plays, not seen often enough. Producing away from their Warwick home, Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre transforms the Kansas City Oasis Meeting Place at 1717 W. 41st St. into its home away from home for this six-performance run Tuesday, Jan. 28 through Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Tickets on sale at metkc.org or call 816-569-3226. Don’t miss it.
To quote a character from the script, “It’s a damn good show. ”
–Karen Paisley
