Dig( 2019)
results were going to be, so the exploration was really freeing and interesting,” he explains. This openness and freedom were key factors that contributed to the play’ s tremendous success in Dorset, prompting Daly and the team to recognize its potential for further impact.“ It was hugely successful in Dorset, and we thought,‘ Man, this play deserves to be in New York City,’” Daly fondly recalls.
Will Rucker vividly remembers the rehearsal process as an emotionally rich and artistically joyful experience.“ Theresa wrote Downstairs specifically for Tim and Tyne, and watching that come to life at Dorset was extraordinary,” Rucker emphasizes.“ The rehearsal room was filled with joy, despite the play’ s darkness, because the chemistry was undeniable.” The emotional investment from everyone involved underscored the profound collaborative synergy Dorset has become known for.
Ryan Koss adds further context to the community impact and atmosphere during the production of Downstairs.“ Downstairs solidified Dorset’ s place as a serious home for new work,” he notes.“ Seeing Tim and Tyne Daly fully immersed in the community, interacting warmly with locals, truly exemplified the magic of Dorset.” Koss’ s reflection underscores how the community’ s involvement and enthusiastic support created an environment that allowed the actors and creative team to fully invest in their craft, enhancing the production’ s overall authenticity and appeal. Following its acclaimed premiere at Dorset, Downstairs made a successful transition to a celebrated Off-Broadway run at Primary Stages in New York City, affirming Dorset Theatre Festival’ s pivotal role as a nurturing launchpad for powerful new theatrical works destined for broader stages.
Dig( 2019)
Written By: Theresa Rebeck Directed by: Theresa Rebeck Starring: Jeffrey Bean, Gordon Clapp, Andrea Syglowski, Sarah Ellen Stephens, Greg Keller, David Mason
Theresa Rebeck’ s Dig premiered at Dorset Theatre Festival in 2019, uniquely capturing themes intimately tied to rural community experiences. In context with the original production’ s Southern Vermont backdrop, Dig offered a narrative deeply rooted in its setting, perfectly suited to Dorset’ s intimate and reflective environment. Rebeck praises the exceptional resources at Dorset, particularly highlighting the remarkable production capabilities that brought her vision vividly to life.“ You always get something that looks amazing— it’ s absolutely remarkable,” she notes, specifically praising the outstanding talent of set designers Christopher and Justin Swader.
For Rebeck, Dorset’ s environment was essential in allowing her to immerse fully in her dual roles as playwright and director, providing critical emotional and intellectual backing. She emphasizes,“ There’ s tremendous passion for first productions of new plays,” underscoring the Festival’ s
The amazing set for DIG by Christopher and Justin Swader
nurturing atmosphere as instrumental to the artistic integrity and success of the work. This supportive environment enabled her to engage deeply with the play’ s complex themes and character dynamics, ultimately elevating the overall artistic quality.
Rebeck attributes the subsequent success of Dig at Primary Stages in New York City, where it earned notable accolades, including becoming a New York Times Critic’ s Pick, directly to the foundational development and creative freedom she experienced at Dorset. Will Rucker adds,“ Working with Theresa is always exhilarating. Dorset was instrumental in the play’ s early development, giving it the necessary space and creative freedom to fully realize its potential.” manchester life manchester magazine life summer magazine / fall 2024 2025 63