Set in a Mom-and-Pop type video store, the action commences on a lonely New Year’s eve, with Danny Fleming preparing to close up for the night. Danny’s in his thirties and, having drifted from job to job since school, he has about given up on his dream of someday owning the old theatre across the street – a place where he could feature classic films from the past. In walks Meredith O’Connor whom he recognizes as a different kind of dream from his own past – a school days crush on which he never dared act. Meredith’s life has taken a far different path, that of the cloistered life in a convent. Now she, too, is having thoughts of what might have been … and might still be? Neary’s play is filled with warm humanity, touching humor, and enough twists and turns to keep us all wondering where these two will end up when we reach the final curtain. Readers may recall Two Across, in 2008, which featured Bob Nuss and Karen McPherson bantering with each other over the NY Times crossword while riding the evening BART in San Francisco. Just as that play provided a delicious tour de force by a superb cast of two, First Nightt offers a pair of very, very challenging roles, ideal for two experienced actors, both in their thirties.

Auditions are coming soon, on November 9-11, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the theatre, and copies of the script are available at the Sturgis and library.