The Group Rep Presents “Loose Knit”

The Group Rep presents “Loose Knit,” written by Theresa Rebeck and directed by L. Flint Esquerra.

Five women come together through a knitting circle, and though they say they are there for the knitting, most likely they are there for the connection – to talk about their jobs, marital issues, and the lack of “good, available” men. 

They meet once a week in each other’s apartments. We see their fears and lack of confidence in themselves, and those moments in life that seem to barrel down on us when we feel alone and without anyone to understand us.  Sometimes they are funny, sometimes sad.  But, if we are lucky enough, there they are, your friends, or those in your knitting circle who are there to lift you up and see there is a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.  And, so we have “Loose Knit” at the Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre.  

L R CathyDianeTomlin MarieBroderick StephanieColet JulieDavis LisaMcGeeMann photoDougEngalla

Bob (Doug Haverty) is married to Lily (Stephanie Colet), but is having an affair with Lily’s sister Liz (Marie Broderick).  Margie (Julie Davis) is looking for a man.  Yes, she is on the hunt to find her soul mate.  Gina (Lisa McGee Mann) is breaking down under the news she has lost her job.  Paula (Cathy Diane Tomlin) is a psychologist with her own feelings of insecurity.  Then we have Miles (Todd Andrew Ball) who is the one person who ultimately has ties to all these characters, and brings out their anger, fear and disenchantment with the lives they lead.  He insults all these women with his own feelings of superiority and elitism.  He is smug and annoying, yet provocative.  But of all the five women, ultimately Liz is the only one who really knows who she is and is not afraid to show it. 

L R JulieDavis ToddAndrewBall photoDougEngalla

Theresa Rebeck’s writing is crisp and witty, but at the same time biting and difficult to hear.  It’s funny and sad, honest yet sly.  We want to turn away from the intensity, but are drawn to it nonetheless.  It’s almost unnerving, but we can’t turn away.  You feel uncomfortable, but isn’t that how life sometimes is?  And the performances by all of the actors are exceptional.   There are truly emotional scenes, and they leave all of it on the stage.  All the characters’ flaws are laid bare. 

Now we’ve all had those moments when we need our friends – those women who get us through all the “stuff” and bring hope back into our lives.   Where would we be without them!?

Flint Esquerra’s direction gives us the full weight of each character and is a star of this production. The set design by Chris Winfield is wonderful, as always. Lighting, costumes and sound, all bring life to the play.

The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre is having a fabulous season. 

Again, “Loose Knit” is a play not to be missed.  Excellent performances and a first-class production.  Summer at the Lonny Chapman Theatre is turning out to be hot, hot, hot. 

Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Cast:  Todd Andrew Ball, Marie Broderick, Cynthia Bryant, Stephanie Colet, Julie Davis, Doug Haverty, Lisa McGee Mann, Beccy Quinn, Sandi Steinberg, Cathy Diane Tomlin, Sascha Vanderslik

Director:  L. Flint Esquerra

Producer for the Group Rep:  Katelyn Ann Clark

Set Design:  Chris Winfield

Costume Design:  Angela M. Eads

Lighting Design:  Douglas Gabrielle

Sound Design/Assistant Director:  JC Gafford

Stage Manager:  Ariana Fernandez

Graphic Design:  Doug Haverty

Public Relations:  Nora Feldman

Photography/Videography:  Doug Engalla

Lonny Chapman Theatre

10900 Burbank Blvd

North Hollywood, CA 91601

Buy Tickets and Information: 

www.thegrouprep.com or 818-763-5990

Show Times: 

August 2  –  September 8, 2019

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm;   Sunday Matinees at 2 pm;

Talkback Sundays:  August 11 and August 25 after Matinee

General Admission: 

$25; 

Students/Seniors with ID:  $20;      

Groups:  10+:  $15

Approximate Running Time 2 Hours 10 Minutes