The Subject Was Roses

For the third production of its 18thseason, Vermont Actors’ Repertory Theatre will present the show “The Subject Was Roses” by Frank Gilroy on June 16th and 17th at 7:30 p.m.and 18th at 2 p.m. Again on June 23rdand 24th at 7:30 p.m. and 25th at 2 p.m. The show will be presented at the West Rutland Town Hall Theatre at 35 Marble Street.

The play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1965. It tells the story of a young veteran who returns to his parents’ apartment in the Bronx and finds himself caught up in their marital conflicts.. The play explores themes of family, love, war, and disillusionment.

“The Subject Was Roses” begins on Saturday morning after a welcome-home party for Timmy Cleary. The year is 1946, and twenty-one-year-old Timmy is home after fighting in World War II.

The play premiered on Broadway at the Royale Theatre on May 25, 1964, starring Jack Albertson, Irene Dailey, and Martin Sheen, and directed by Ulu Grosbard. A major critical and commercial success, the play ran 832 performances and was nominated for five Tony Awards, winning two: Best Play and Best Featured Actor (Albertson)

The show is directed by Andrew Hamling. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased with cash or check at the door or in advance at paramountvt.org. Doors open thirty minutes prior to showtime. Wheelchair accessible.