Catch ‘The Outgoing Tide’ before it heads to Off-Broadway

Catch “The Outgoing Tide” in Wilmington before it next comes ashore Off-Broadway. A drama by Barrymore Award-winning, local playwright Bruce Graham, “The Outgoing Tide” kicks off the Delaware Theatre Company’s 2012-2013 season.

Directed by new Executive Director Bud Martin, the show features an all-star cast including Michael Learned, Ian Lithgow and Peter Strauss. After its run in Delaware, the show premieres at 59E59 Theaters in New York City for six weeks.

The play focuses on Gunner (Peter Strauss), who has Alzheimer’s disease, his wife Peg (Michael Learned), and their son, Jack (Ian Lithgow), in their cabin on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Gunner’s condition is deteriorating quickly and it has become clear to the family that action is needed. Aware of his situation, Gunner devises an unconventional plan to take care of his family. His wife and son resist yet seek to find common ground.

Peter Strauss is nothing short of amazing in his physical and spoken performance as Gunner, a man who strives to seize control as his cognitive faculties fall away.

Bruce Graham’s script is intelligent, witty, even laugh-out-loud funny, never plays on easy sentiments and draws you in to the myriad levels of hopes, dreams, and fears of this couple and their adult son.

The stage set and lighting flawlessly shine a light on this family, and you, as well, will likely leave with a new perspective on yours.

“The Outgoing Tide” is onstage at Delaware Theatre Company through October 28 at 200 Water Street, Wilmington, DE.