Director Chris Gabrowski had a singular advantage when he agreed to direct Wendy Wasserstein’s classic family drama “The Sisters Rosensweig.”
One of his former students worked for Wasserstein as a personal assistant. As he prepared this show for Portland Stage Company, Gabrowski kept his phone number on speed dial.
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The former student offered not only advice in general, but Wasserstein’s private reflections about the show. “He was a great resource,” Gabrowski said.
Gabrowski is convinced that this is the playwright’s most personal memoir. With the input of his former pupil, he has kept his direction as true to the playwright’s intent as possible.
The comedy, which runs through Oct. 21, opens the season for Portland’s largest theater company.
“The Sisters Rosensweig” opened in 1992 and moved to Broadway in 1993. Wasserstein, who died from cancer at age 55 in 2006, wrote plays that explore female identity.
“Sisters” is a piece of fiction, but is as autobiographical as it gets.
It tells the story of three Jewish-American sisters who gather in a posh London home to celebrate the birthday of the eldest. Along the way, they stumble over their collective past while facing up to their differences and accepting their family bonds.
Gabrowski saw the original production, which starred Jane Alexander and Madeline Kahn. Notably, Maine native Linda Lavin joined the show when it moved to Broadway.
“This is Wendy’s most conventional play,” the director said. “It all happens in one place over one weekend in chronological order. It’s a beautiful play. It’s got just a very light touch.”
Portland Stage Company is located at 25A Forest Ave. Tickets are $34 to $44, Call 775-0465 or visit portlandstage.org for more information.
OTHER THEATER PRODUCTIONS opening this month include:
• Mad Horse Theatre opens “November” by David Mamet on Thursday at its new performance space, 24 Mosher St., South Portland. On stage through Oct. 28. 730-2389; madhorse.com
• The Public Theatre, 31 Maple St., Lewiston, opens the comedy “The Book Club Play” by Karen Zacarias on Oct. 19. It runs through Oct. 28. 782-3200; thepublictheatre.org
• Dramatic Repertory Company presents the drama “Topdog/Underdog” Oct. 25 to Nov. 4 at the studio theater of Portland Stage. (800) 838-3006; dramaticrep.org
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