"The Velocity of Autumn" at Beck Center

Life can be so cruel sometimes. Just ask Alexandra, an elderly widow living in Brooklyn, New York, as no one knows this better than she. The regional premiere of The Velocity of Autumn is now playing in the intimate Studio Theater at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, and it is definitely a play worth seeing.

The Velocity of Autumn is the story of Alexandra and how she comes to terms with getting older while still maintaining her dignity. This wonderful new play is an entirely “Cleveland” production. It was written by Greater Cleveland’s own Eric Coble. And it stars local theatre legend Dorothy Silver, as Alexandra, and local actor and playwright David Hansen, as Chris.

Despite her children’s attempts to move her into a nursing home, Alexandra refuses to leave her Brooklyn brownstone. And just wanting to be left alone, she barricades herself within the brownstone and threatens to blow up the building with her in it! Her estranged son Chris arrives through an open window. And although their reunion starts out a bit “rocky,” they eventually, reach an understanding as they walk down memory lane and reconnect.

The Velocity of Autumn is a touching play that will warm your heart and just might bring a tear to your eye. And anyone who has ever had an elderly parent or grandparent will relate to this very poignant story of family and the ties that bind. The Velocity of Autumn is an excellent production, and it comes highly recommended.

The Velocity of Autumn will run through April 29. (Note that there will be no performances Easter Weekend, April 6-8.) Up next at the Beck Center for the Arts is Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (May 25 – July 1) in the Studio Theater. And Legally Blonde: The Musical will close the 2011-2012 season (July 6 – August 12) on the Mackey Main Stage. Be sure to secure your seats for these much anticipated productions. And check out the Beck Center’s Flex Passes, a convenient way to enjoy multiple performances, and a great savings, too.

The Beck Center for the Arts is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio. Convenient, free on-site parking is available. For more information on the Beck Center, The Velocity of Autumn, or Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, please visit the Beck Center’s website at www.BeckCenter.org.

- Christopher S. Musselman

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