Middletown

By Will Eno
Directed by Trevor Biship

Awards and Recognition

  • Most Promising New American Play Horton Foote Prize
  • So Cal Premiere

Reviewer Quotes

“ Richly engaging and satisfyingly theatrical, with heart and humor. A modern-day equivalent to Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. ”

TheatreMania

“ Utterly spellbinding! 4 Stars! ”

Time Out New York

Mary Swanson just moved to Middletown, eager to start a family and enjoy the neighborly bonds a small town promises. When she befriends resident John Dodge, she quickly discovers that below Middletown’s flinchingly honest exterior lies something much more complex. Middletown is a wry, human portrait of a town with two lives — one ordinary and visible, the other epic and mysterious.

SEASON PRODUCERS Bette & Wylie Aitken
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Scott & Sandra Graham

  • Save $10 by attending Previews (Apr 21-28).
  • Save $5 by attending Weekdays (May 3-19). Limited availability.
  • $15 Rush Tix available 1 hour prior to the performance. Cash only. Subject to availability.
  • Seniors, Students and Military save $4 per ticket.
  • 2-for-1 Tix on Wed, May 3 at 7:30pm... Use online code "MT660". Limited availability.
  • 40% off for Groups of 10 or more.

Articles & Reviews

Read More on the Blog

Audience Buzz

    1. Any exploration into the meanings or meaning of life is worthwhile.

      — Anonymous
    2. Life is tough! Acting was excellent.

      — Nathan G.
    3. A very interesting play performed by extremely talented actors. Each actor (no mater what character they were playing at the time) conveyed a genuine realism to the story. I enjoyed the production very much. The outstanding set design should also be applauded.

      — Walter S.
    4. Stage craft was excellent, acting extremely good.

      — Anonymous
    5. The acting was solid and the set and staging were really well-done for such a small place.

      — Anonymous
    6. This was a very original entertaining show. Definitely one the best plays I have seen at the Chance Theater.

      — Keith K.
    7. The performance was fantastic … I loved it. The story was completely great, especially since I am a fan of Dave Barry’s mucronate writing (put that in your bippie). The actors did credit to the script, and the choreography and performance of the astronaut was incredible. We would definitely see it again if we were in town. Thanks for the memory.

      — Tom
    8. Very talented acting, wonderful set.

      — Bruce S.
    9. The acting was great, and I loved the set design. I like the idea of snapshots of what levels of loneliness can look like.

      — Anonymous
    10. Incredibly cool set in a tight space that transitioned from indoors to outdoors, and from one indoor space to another. Fantastic lighting effects.

      — Judy J.
    11. Amazing! Thought provoking! Emotional! A roller coaster of emotion….

      — Anonymous
    12. I was impressed how the small stage could be used for so many different scenes.

      — Lisa K.
    13. We are often so caught up in the “stuff” of life, I think this play reminds us to pay attention and to enjoy each day, and also, to value human interactions.

      — Marsha L.
    14. What an exciting, provocative show!! It’s challenging to summarize easily, but I loved it all the more for that. I found the reflections on connections between life and death, and between fatefulness and hope, to be fresh — powerfully interpreted in this staging. The set, lighting, and staging constantly had me catching my breath in wonder — the Chance does a consistently great job making a small performing space into a large experience space! And the acting … everyone was terrific. James McHale’s performance particularly stands out. That final scene could have been corny, but instead it was poignant because his embodiment was so authentic throughout the play. Kudos to the Chance for bringing us more new and excellent theater!!!

      — Nora J.

Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center

Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA  92807
More Information Get Directions
Venue Amenities
  • Full-Service Bar
  • Free Parking
  • Conveniently Located

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At a Glance

Approximate Running Time:
2 hours with intermission
Special Notes:
  • @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center
  • On the Fyda-Mar Stage
  • Post-show discussions after each performance (except Opening)
  • Join us for Opening Night by becoming a Gold Member
  • "Salon" on Sun, Apr 30 at 2:15pm... Arrive early for a hosted discussion with the artists.
  • "Chance Encounter" on Sat, May 13 at 7pm... Arrive early to meet Chance artists and learn about the theater.
  • "Wine Wednesday" on Wed, May 3 at 6:30pm... Sign up to mingle with other Chance lovers and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting
  • "Beer Bash Friday" on Fri, May 5 at 7:00pm... Sign up to mingle with other Chance lovers and enjoy a complimentary beer tasting