By Andre Lamar

Community News

Posted Mar 03, 2011 @ 06:00 AM

The Chapel Street Players are exploring a parent’s worst nightmare, through their ongoing production of “Rabbit Hole.”

“Rabbit Hole,” which runs through Mar. 12 at Chapel Street in Newark, was written by David Lindsay-Abaire and received a Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2007. The play is a tragic tale about Becca and Howie Corbett, a middle-class couple who try to cope with the loss of their 4-year-old son, Danny.

Pike Creek resident Kate Brennan, who was cast as Becca, found it difficult to walk in her character’s shoes.

“Everything changes when you lose a child,” said Brennan, who has an 8-year-old son. “It’s there for every parent and it’s there beneath the surface, but who really wants to have that thought?”

Despite “Rabbit Hole’s” gloomy tone, Brennan was drawn to the production because she wanted a challenge.

Meanwhile, Director Anthony Bosco gravitated to the play because he enjoyed the book, which is also named “Rabbit Hole,” and the realism that it portrayed.

“I was pretty impressed by the writing and story behind it,” Bosco said. “It’s almost like a real story of watching how people cope with the loss of a family member.”

While trying to maintain a sense authenticity in the production, the set includes props like a stove, refrigerator, silverware and dishes, said Bosco, adding cast members even eat meals during the play. Bosco said having actors eat in the show will provide the audience with an experience that’s similar to staring through your neighbor’s window, as they’re eating dinner.

Although the role has been rewarding for Brennan, she’s had a blast getting to know her cast members and seeing a more emotional side of them that most people don’t get to see, she said. Furthermore, pretending to come to terms about the death of a child has also made her more thankful about the bond she shares with her son.

“It’s made me appreciate being a mother and realizing how lucky I am,” she said. “You think about it and think ‘my god, how does someone get through something like that?”’

In the midst of its heavy theme, Bosco believes audiences will become enlightened and be able to identify with the play, since it sheds light on real issues that people all over the world are experiencing.

IF YOU GO

WHAT Rabbit Hole

WHEN 8 p.m. March 4, 5, 11, 12; 2 p.m. March 6 and 12 

WHERE Chapel Street Players,27 N. Chapel St., Newark

COST $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 for students with identification

INFO www.chapelstreetplayers.org