Di and Viv and Rose
By Amelia Bulmore, directed by Kate Kataja
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NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 23 

Running in rep with STRAIGHT WHITE MEN

From different classes, from different places, with different experiences and expectations, Di, Viv and Rose would never have crossed paths if they hadn’t shared a house all those years ago. For a while, the laughs and the troubles bound them together. But surely time, which delivers triumph, disaster and change so unequally and unpredictably, will slowly draw these three women apart. Under the direction of Kate Kataja, this much-heralded new play spans the years, and spins the yarns to evoke a story of enduring friendship that is undoubtedly one of the most moving tales to hit the stage in many years.
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READ REVIEWS FOR THE PRODUCTION:
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"Wilbury draws on the directing talents of Kate Kataja for “Di and Rose and Viv,” and she brings the story to life beautifully and believably. Set to a fabulous soundtrack of '80s songs — including a fun dance scene to Prince's “Let’s Go Crazy” — the production uses the modest space, dressed like a living room, extremely well...The believability of this show rests entirely, however, on the cast. Rae Mancini (Di), Milly Massey (Viv) and Melissa Penick (Rose) turn in stellar performances. In one particularly difficult scene, Mancini is startling in her grief, staring sadly into the audience for long minutes. Penick effectively uses a bubbly personality to mask her own demons and fears, allowing the mask to slip periodically to show raw vulnerability. And Massey has a scene in the second act that is explosive and searing." -The Providence Journal

"Kate Kataja directs this witty, heartwarming tale that follows this colorful trio over three decades, beginning when they first meet at school in the early 80s. If there is ever any doubt of the time period, the irresistible soundtrack is a veritable greatest hits of the era, including the likes of Prince and Janet Jackson...Melissa Penick is adorable as the audaciously angelic Rose, a bubbly, earthy art major who enjoys the company of men -- many, many men. Rose is the polar opposite of Di, played by the always wonderful Rae Mancini, a shy, sporty lesbian who hasn't yet told her mother she likes women. Completing the triad is Viv, the disciplined scholar and aspiring sociologist with an affinity for military officer apparel, diligently portrayed by Milly Massey. The attention and precision of all three actresses is what makes their friendship and history believable, relatable and most importantly, enjoyable. Each has their moment to shine, both in triumph and tragedy, and the stage interplay throughout is unfailingly engaging." -Edge Providence

"As the first act draws to a close, a tragic event has happened to one, and an unexpected event to the other. In Act Two, the three women have moved on with their lives. Di has moved back home to “fish and chips on Friday and not being a lesbian.” Viv has gone on to a career in New York City.Rose is living with a man and raising a couple of kids...Director Kate Kataja handles the scene changes smoothly, using the same stage setting as the other play, with a few prop adjustments. She gives her three actors leeway in developing their characters, which they all do very well. The two plays, shown in repertory (Straight White Men, reviewed last week), both deserve our attention." -Warwick Beacon

"The script has precious little room in its heart for the opposite sex. But its deeply drawn characters make for a spellbinding evening...the Wilbury Theatre Group’s superb trio of performers — Rae Mancini (Di), Milly Massey, (Vic), and Melissa Penick (Rose) — keep us emotionally engaged throughout." -​Arts Fuse Boston

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DI + VIV + ROSE PRODUCTION PHOTOS

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CAST

Rae Mancini

Melissa Penick

CREATIVE TEAM

Written by Amelia Bullmore
Directed by Kate Kataja
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Set Design by Katryne Hecht
Light Design by Kim Beggs
Costume Design by Jillian Eddy
Stage Management by Rachel Marshall

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Tickets no longer available for this production.