In the Wings

Eugene O’Neill created the tortured Tyrones, but he also made the Millers, a happier clan and the focus of his only comedy, “Ah, Wilderness!”

The Armonk Players will present “Ah, Wilderness!” June 3 through 6 at the North Castle Public Library’s Whippoorwill Hall in Armonk. Curtains are 7:30 on June 3, 8 p.m. on June 4 and 5 and 4 p.m. on June 6.

The cast, directed by Christine DiTota, includes: Daniel Burke, Daniel Carlino, Adam Cornelius, Tommy Couto, Keith DiBuono, Pia Haas, Michelle Moran Moriarty, Anne Nisenholtz, Mark Pierce, Jim Posner, Mary Roberts, Sharon Rosenthal, Julia Ryan and Jeff Schlotman.

(Later this summer, DiTota will play Peter and Schlotman will play Hook in “Peter Pan” at Westchester Broadway Theater.)

Whippoorwill Hall is at 19 Whippoorwill Road East, Armonk. Admission: $18, $14 for students and seniors (65 years or older). Reserve tickets at 914-234-5457 or visit www.armonkplayers.org

Tickets may also be purchased in advance at Framings, 420 Main Street, Armonk, NY. 914-273-4242.

One of my fondest theater memories is seeing “Ah, Wilderness!” with Colleen Dewhurst and Jason Robards, in repertory with “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” in 1988. The too-short-lived production was called “The O’Neill Plays” at the Neil Simon Theater and it was my thrill to see “Long Day” on one night and “Wilderness” at the matinee the next day. At that matinee, I did something I’d never done before or since. At intermission, I found a florist across the street. During the curtain call, I rushed to the edge of the stage with a bouquet for Ms. Dewhurst, whom I just adored. I waved them and she looked left and right, thinking they were for someone else. But Robards could see I meant them for her. He said, “They’re for you. Go get them.” The great actress  blushed and came down the apron to pick them up. I said, “Thank you so much” and she said, “Thank YOU!” Great woman.