What is "Alone Together?"

“Alone Together” is the next show that will open at the Lofte theatre in 2021 and our cast and crew are hard at work to make it a good one! Did you know, if you were to search for the title “Alone Together” on the internet you would find a great deal of information that is not at all related to this particular story. “Alone Together” is also the title of a canceled tv series, several virtual events that mostly happened last year, and multiple songs. Ultimately, you’d be left without answers, so let’s answer the question, what is “Alone Together”?

“Alone Together,” in this context, is a show written by Lawrence Roman. It had a short stint on Broadway in the Music Bot Theatre from October 1984 to January 1985. Our version of the production opens on September 3rd, 2021.

The show features parents Helene and George Butler (who in the Lofte production will be played by Wendy Allen and Kevin Colbert respectively) who have just sent their youngest child, Keith (played by Peyton Banks) off to college. They are all set to settle into their empty nest, and enjoy themselves - and each other! But their time is cut short as one by one, each son returns home! Their eldest, Michael (played by Andrew Schell) has left his job teaching Math in Boston to return home to his parent’s house in Los Angeles. Their middle son, Elliott (played by Aaron Spracklin) has had a fight with his wife and departed their Dallas home to reinhabit his childhood room. And just when they think no one else could come through the door, Janie, a young girl who they have never met (played by Lilly Frields) comes to claim the third bedroom! Why did these sons return home? Can George and Helene get them out again? And who exactly is Janie?! You’ll just have to come and see “Alone Together” to find out!

While the story was written and originally performed in the 80’s it’s still quite relevant to us today. For example, Peyton, who is playing the youngest son, Keith, resonates quite a bit with his character as he went off to college himself just two years ago. “With the COVID-19 pandemic, I came home, went back to college… and came home again. We both understand the feeling of wanting to leave for college. It’s an exciting yet scary time in our lives.” In his spare time, while not doing shows, Peyton is a photographer and enjoys spending time with an adorable cat named Apollo.

However, other cast members feel they are quite different from their characters. For instance, Aaron, who is playing the middle son in the midst of a fall-out with his wife, Elliott, shares his characters “dashing good looks,” but believes that they differ in one very important aspect as he says, “I love my wife very much!” Aaron and his wife will celebrate their one-year anniversary in October and they recently spent their honeymoon in Hawaii diving with sharks.

Wendy (Helene) also sees several differences between her and her character. “My character wants her kids to move out. But I was always really sad when mine did.” However, Wendy has been having a great time with the cast. “The character development has already started which is so fun to see, and it makes it easier to get into character.” Wendy is extra experienced as she has lived through all of the events in this show! “All of my kids moved out, but each one moved back in at one time. Some at the same time, some brought spouses and dogs, we even had a friend’s daughter move in for two summers.”

When the cast was asked why people should come and see “Alone Together” they make a pretty compelling argument!

“Being a parent and spouse is a roller coaster of emotions. Sometimes you can love someone more than anything, but not like them!”

“If you’re seeking ways to get your children out of the house, come see the show, and learn all of the things NOT to do!”

“This production portrays what a lot of American families go through in their lives; it’s a show that you can really see yourself in”

“We’re excited to see everyone come back and support their local community theatre!”

“Alone Together” plays September 3, 4 5, 9, 10, 11, & 12. Showtime is 7:00 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 2:00 pm on Sundays. Doors open 1 hour before the show starts with general admission/ open seating. Masks are required but may be removed when in your seat while eating and drinking only. Social distanced seating is available. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at lofte.org/tickets or by calling the box office at 402-234-2553.