Eventide Presents Staged Reading Of ‘Lost’ Vonnegut Play

What do you do when you find a lost masterpiece by one of the world’s greatest authors? According to Liz Argo, “You dust it off, shine it up, and you get it into the light.” For two nights only, she intends to do just that.

On Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and on Oct 5 at 4:30 p.m., Argo will host a staged reading of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.’s “Something Borrowed” at the Eventide Theater Company in Dennis Village. The script is something that has been in Argo’s family for a long time.

Argo explained that her parents started the Orleans Arena Theater in 1950 which lasted until 1976 (it is now the Academy Playhouse). Her parents were friendly with Vonnegut, who lived in West Barnstable for many years. At one point, was assigned by a newspaper to see her parents’ shows and write reviews. Eventually, Argo’s mother Betsy would produce three of Vonnegut’s plays, most notably “Happy Birthday Wanda June,” which would go on to be produced on Broadway.

However, according to Liz Argo, her mother was never “jumping up and down enthusiastic” about “Something Borrowed,” so Betsy eventually put the script aside. When the elder Argo passed away in 2014 and the house and memorabilia were sold in 2015, Liz couldn’t let go of the script. She recounted eventually reading it in 2021 and realizing that she wanted to do something with it.

 “It was worthy,” said Argo, who will direct the reading. “It had a lot of good qualities.”

Argo noted that the play is “pure Vonnegut,” explaining that the message consists of “deep, penetrating questions” about men and women and how they are looking for a partner that will “make everything make sense,” eventually questioning that approach to life.

The play also touches on aspects of war, drawing on Vonnegut’s experiences as a prisoner of war, looking at how men are changed after their experiences in battle. But Argo was quick to point out that the work is “laced with humor.”

 “It’s lovely, funny little episodes and quirky characters and silliness,” said Argo. “Any time you have to be lectured, it better have a humorous byline.”

At the end of the production there will be an audience talk back. Eventgoers will get a chance to comment on whether they think this is Vonnegut’s “lost masterpiece,” among other questions, reflections, and considerations about events in the play. 

 “Hopefully it will be fun for the audience to be a part of the whole process,” said Argo.

Argo lauded the cast for the staged reading. June Farlin is the lead character, Barbara Neal. Her husband Rudy Neal, the second lead, is played by Chuck Grifford. Another notable character, Argo said, is Wanda June Dwyer, played by Summer Bates, with her husband Eddie being played by Connor McLeod. The rest of the listed cast is Sam, played by Bob Williamson; Clerk, played by Drew Krauss; Sneed, played by George Carranza; and Mrs. Sneed, played by Gwen Maynard.

Tickets are currently available online at eventidearts.org.