Drama Guild Explores "The Dining Room," Where Life Unfolds

Before opening night of “The Dining Room” at the Chatham Drama Guild, Pam Banas pointed out that a portrait of Sterling Dunbar, one of the founding members of the Guild, was hanging above the stage. The synchronicity of Dunbar’s presence, whether intentional or not, set the perfect tone. It felt as though the history of the Guild itself was overseeing the show.

“The Dining Room” by A.R. Gurney, directed by Scott Hamilton, spans 50 years of complicated life, all revolving around one central location: the dining room. It is not merely a play but stories stitched together around a shared space. The dining room is the heart of the home — a place of gathering, celebration, conflict and memory. This production captured that essence with great tenderness and skill.

What struck me most was how the cast embodied such a wide variety of characters. Each role was tied together by the common thread of the dining room table. In one moment, we see youthful innocence and curiosity; in another, the regrets and reflections of old age. The actors seamlessly transitioned between characters, demonstrating versatility and the ability to inhabit multiple lives within a single performance. This reminds us that no matter the time period or circumstance, the dining room table remains a place of memory, tradition and human connection. Ultimately, the Chatham Drama Guild’s production was not simply a play—it was a reminder of the beauty of ordinary life. In showing us the passage of time through one room, the cast and crew created something extraordinary.

The cast displayed impressive versatility, with each performer inhabiting multiple roles. Thom Dutton, along with Andrew Haber (Oct. 10–12), portrayed Client, Howard, Psychiatrist, Ted, Nick, Paul, Ben, Chris, Dick, and Guest. Ann Frechette embodied Agent, Mother, Carolyn, Sandra, Margery, Beth, Kate, Clare, and Ruth, while Kathy Hamilton took on Sally, Girl, Ellie, Winkie, Old Lady, Helen, Emily, and Guest. Scott Hamilton appeared as Boy, Architect, Billy, Nick, Standish, and Guest. Sheila Jamieson performed as Aggie, Freda, Dora, Aunt Harriet, and Bertha, while Deb Mahaney portrayed Annie, Grace, Peggy, Nancy, Toni, Emily, and Guest. Bragan Thomas rounded out the ensemble as Father, Michael, Brewster, Grandfather, Stuart, Gordon, David, Harvey, and Host. 

The production staff contributed greatly to the overall success of the performance, with Scott Hamilton serving as both director and light/set designer, and Pam Banas taking on the roles of producer, costumer, and prop designer. Don Howell provided sound design, while Rachel Banas and Mike Guzowski operated the light and sound boards. Set construction and dressing were managed by Pam Banas, Mike Guzowski, Scott Hamilton, and A.M. Johansen. Publicity was handled by Rachel Banas and Rachel Walman, with Maria Cashdollar designing the program. Together, this creative team ensured a polished and heartfelt staging of A.R. Gurney’s classic.

DETAILS:

“The Dining Room”

At the Chatham Drama Guild, Crowell Road, Chatham

Through Oct. 19

Information and reservations: 508-945-0510, www.chatdramaguild.org/