Play written by and starring Dan Lauria premieres in Ellenville at Shadowland Stages

There is something thrilling about live theatre. Unlike movies and television, there are no second takes. At any moment something could go awry and the actors, technicians and audience are all along for the ride. Being in the moment with fellow audience members engages a camaraderie unlike any other. In Ellenville, audiences can visit Shadowland Stages through June 18 to see a world premiere of a play written by Dan Lauria called Just Another Day.

Shadowland Stages was originally a vaudeville and moviehouse in the 1920s and since 1984 has been the home to an inspiring live theater that promotes the undeniable talent of our area. Opening their 2023 season with Dan Lauria’s Just Another Day, a two person play, is a beautiful way to kick off the summer.

Not only did Lauria write the new work, but he is starring in it alongside Patty McCormack. Lauria is most recognized as the dad, Jack Arnold, on the highly acclaimed, Emmy-winning, ABC television show, The Wonder Years. In 2010 and 2011, Lauria was seen on Broadway in the long-running production of Lombardi as the legendary coach Vince Lombardi with Judith Light, directed by Thomas Kail (who some may know has the director of Hamilton). Lauria returned again in the 2013-14 production of the Tony nominated A Christmas Story: The Musical, directed by John Rando.

McCormack is no novice to the stage herself. Audiences will recognize McCormack from her more than seven decades of stage, screen and television performances. From Oscar and Golden Globe nominated performances in The Bad Seed to work in the Oscar and Golden Globe nominated Frost/Nixon and The Master, McCormack brings her diverse range of talent to every role she plays.

“Shadowland Stages continues its commitment to the development of new plays with the highly entertaining Just Another Day. And what a blessing to have Patty and Dan share their talents with our audience,” said artistic director Brendan Burke.

Directed by Shadowland Stages veteran James Glossman, Just Another Day follows the journeys of a comedy writer (Lauria) and a sophisticated poet (McCormack) in their seventies as they meet daily on a park bench to exchange wits and barbs, and wax nostalgic about old movies, all the while trying to figure out how they know – and love – each other. The story takes place in a park which is eloquently created on the stage with a park bench, street light and the trimmings.

Viewers will laugh, possibly shed a tear, as well as have their hearts warmed by the interaction and history between the two characters. With two acts and an epilogue, the show will close with the audience imagining what the next day could hold for the man and woman. Do not miss the opportunity to see the world premiere of this funny and poignant new play. For more information and tickets, visit www.shadowlandstages.org or call the box office at 845-647-5511.

Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas is the Executive Director of Arts Mid-Hudson. Art From Here appears every other week. Contact her at 845-454-3222 or melissa@artsmidhudson.org.

If you go

Just Another DayWhere: Shadowland Stages, 157 Canal St, Ellenville, NY 12428Date: June 2 - 18th, 2023Time: Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.Contact: (845) 647-5511www.shadowlandstages.org

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Dan Lauria play, Just Another Day, premieres in Ellenville