Theatre Woodstock’s “A Rock Sails By” brings the early signs of dementia to the forefront

(Left to right) Tina Sterling, Pursod Ramachandran, and Sarah Adam star in A Rock Sails By at Theatre Woodstock. (Sally Johnston photo)

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

The newest Theatre Woodstock production explores discoveries in outer space and life with the early stages of dementia.

Theatre Woodstock’s production of A Rock Sails By will run from April 3 to 13. The Sean Grennan play centers on astrophysicist Dr. Lynn Cummings, who is misquoted by a journalist in an interview about an unidentified flying object. Grennan got the inspiration to write it after the first interstellar object passing through the solar system, called “’Oumuamua” in 2017.

The script also touches on dementia, as Dr. Cummings is diagnosed with early onset of the condition.

“Like any disease, different forms of dementia have likely touched us all. Some of our cast and crew hold this very close to their hearts,” co-producer Sally Johnston said to the Echo. “There is much research still needed in this area, and we hope that by bringing these topics to the stage, it will encourage discussion and support.”

The Alzheimer’s Society will attend the April 6 and 11 shows to host a 10-minute Q and A afterward along with information pamphlets in the lobby. The organization also asked Theatre Woodstock to attend an information session on April 9, where actor Sarah Adam and co-producer Janny Hughes will be speaking about the early stages of dementia represented in the production.

The cast and crew of A Rock Sails By also had to face some challenges during their early stages of rehearsals such as inclement weather and varying availabilities with some cast members in other productions.

“We have been able to successfully work around everyone’s schedules to get in the rehearsal times we need,” Johnston said. “Now that we are officially moved into the theatre, we are running full acts with costumes and props and in the coming days, we will have all sound and lighting programmed. There is a timeline process to follow and if you follow the process, you will have a great show.”

“The cast and crew have been very flexible in being able to adapt their personal schedules to make up for lost time,” director Scott Rooney added.

Along with A Rock Sails By, Rooney, Johnston, and stage manager Samantha Muller worked together on other productions such as On Golden Pond and Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts’ production Over the River and Through the Woods. The production team also has Rob Coles of London working on light design, Theatre Woodstock’s Pete Dunbar on sound design, and Maria St. Laurant as props manager, along with backstage assistant stage managers and microphone technicians.

“We've assembled a phenomenal cast and crew who have grown together to put on this fantastic show,” Rooney said. “We have those with no experience to those with seasoned experience and everything in between. It's been fun to watch everyone grow and learn from one another.”

A Rock Sails By is recommended for viewers 14 years of age and older. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with Sunday matinees starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are $28 each, $20 for students, $18 for youth 12 years old and younger, and all seats are $20 on Thrifty Thursdays. To purchase tickets, either stop by the box office in person at 22 Reeve St., call 519-537-2582 or visit online via www.theatrewoodstock.com.