PORTSMOUTH – The Players’ Ring presents “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center of New York City,” written by Halley Feiffer and directed by Christine Penney.

This irreverent, rageful, and tender play about the hilarity of grief and the power of trust is on stage from March 28 through April 13.

A New York Times Critics' Pick, this production tells the story of a struggling young stand-up comic and a wealthy middle-aged divorcée cooped up in a hospital room shared by their cancer-stricken mothers. 

Forced to confront their relationships with their respective mothers, Karla (played by Amy Desrosiers) and Don (Don Goettler) cope with their new reality by making some of the most inappropriate jokes. Feiffer's unique and insightful comedy demonstrates how shared experiences create unexpected kinship, and how comedy and tragedy often operate in unsettling tandem.

“The arts have been a part of my life since I was 7 years old,” Director Christine Penney said. “As an adult, I've worked professionally in the arts on the administrative side and was honored to be part of the development team at the Tony-Award Winning, Off-Broadway New York Theatre Workshop where I got to work on productions like ‘Hadestown,’ ‘What the Constitution Means to Me,’ and ‘Othello.’ I've also had the good fortune to don my artistic hat through performing, directing, designing, and producing for companies like the Players' Ring, Stage Force, The Seacoast Rep., and the company which I co-founded –Seven Stages Shakespeare Company.”

Penney’s first role at the Ring was playing all the servants in “The Merchant of Venice” under Tim Robinson's direction back in 2002. 

“Since then, I've performed and directed at the Ring with productions dear to my heart like ‘Julius Caesar,’ ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,’ and Of Mice and Men,’” Penney added.

Penney has been on an artistic hiatus for a few years, and just as she was starting to get the itch to dip her toe back into the creative waters, Amy Desrosiers reached out with this opportunity. 

“I had not heard of the piece before, but when I read it, I saw quite clearly what a heart wrenching study it offers on our relationship with grief,” she said. “Knowing Amy and Don were already on board to play the two lead characters made it easy to say yes. This is a darkly comic piece and I look forward to squeezing every drop of comedic juice from it, yet at the same time we'll hold the heavy mirror up to triggering topics like familial relationships, intimacy, death, loneliness, guilt, and love . . . in all its forms.” 

Penney said she’s not one to have prescribed expectations for an audience experience.

“My hope with any piece I work on is that it leaves those who experience it with more thought-provoking questions than answers,” she said. “The creative team for this piece is a true dream, compiled of some of the finest artists I know, and I think we have the potential to share a truly compelling story that offers folks both a moment of levity coupled with an urge to more deeply explore their own relationship with grief, loss, life and the living of it.”

Actor Amy Desrosiers said she found this piece while researching some new works about six years ago. 

“I was initially struck by the absurdity of it; the crassness that seemed to be in contrast to the vulnerable environment of an oncology ward,” she said. 

“But as I continued to delve into the script, it became clear that grief itself doesn't manifest in ways that we can predict or control. We are not and cannot be our most palatable selves while in the throes of grief,” she added.

“These humans are experiencing unimaginable grief. They show up as they are and because of that (not in spite of it), they are able to relate, connect and seek refuge in each other.”

Desrosiers approached Goettler because she knew that he would be an incredible scene partner in these intensely vulnerable scenes and that he would bring a beautiful depth to this story.

“We've never worked together before,” she said. “Our paths have crossed for several years, but we've never had the opportunity to share the stage. I first saw him at Hackmatack Playhouse in their production of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime,’ and was very impressed by the authenticity and love he brought to his character. I'm very excited to tell this story with him.”

Desrosiers was in the Ring’s 2024 production of "A Christmas Carol" as Jacob Marley and Belle, among other characters. Previous Ring credits include Dive In Production's "Dogfight" in 2019 and "A Christmas Carol" in 2014. 

“It is always a treat to play at the Ring,” she added. 

Actor Don Goettler said he was instantly moved by the play in how very real and human it was. 

“Life is often, for most, difficult, unfair, frustrating and sad but the connection with others, even strangers, help us through these hard times and that laughter can be the key to relief, survival and self-reflection,” he said.

“The first time I ever became aware of Amy was her audition at the Ring maybe five or six years ago which really made an impression on me. She was so grounded and poised with natural talent and an abundance of emotional depth. I hoped from then to one day work with her in some capacity, so when she approached me with this killer play, I knew I had to jump at the chance.” 

Goettler’s first experience with the Players Ring was during its summer late nights series back in 2009 after moving to the Seacoast from New York. 

“I was, and continue to be, captivated by this area's creativity and artistic passion and it continues to push me to work at my best,” he said.

“To my good fortune, I've been part of some of the best productions of my career such as ‘Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo,’ ‘A Thousand Clowns’ and, most recently, ‘Outside Mullingar’. I strive to bring to audiences plays that are light hearted, humorous, meaningful and well written. This play checks all those boxes for me and I can't wait to share it.”

Also acting in this production are Valerie Kehr as Marcie and Daphne Schwab as Geena. Set & Lighting Designer is Quentin Stockwell; Sound Designer is Ben Bagley, and Lydia Brendel is the Stage Manager/Board Operator/Props Manager.  

The Players' Ring is grateful for the support of its Main Sponsors: The Eppes-Jefferson
Foundation, Rosamond Thaxter Foundation, The Puddle Dock Restaurant, Tour Restaurant, Southport Printing Company, Meredith Village Savings Bank, and Supporting Partners: Portsmouth Recreation Department, Kittery Art Association, Port City Makerspace, Business Cents, Dowling HVAC and Media Partners: PortsmouthNH.com and the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth.

The Ring’s neighbor, The Puddle Dock restaurant, and its sister restaurant, Tour on Lafayette Road, are both offering a 10% discount on food to Players' Ring patrons. Visit their websites to reserve, and present your ticket when you ask for your check. 

Go & Do

“A Funny Thing Happened . . .” written by Halley Feiffer and directed by Christine Penney

Where: Players’ Ring Theatre, 105 Marcy Street, Portsmouth NH

Phone: 603-436-8123

When: March 28 – April 13: Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

General Admission: $29

Students / Seniors (65+): $26

Military / First Responders: $26

This show is included in the Ring’s subscription packages. Information on how to purchase and redeem these can be found at www.playersring.org