PUTNEY, Vt. – Sunburn, sand, squid, and family squabbles are on the itinerary when New England Youth Theatre’s Commedia Troupe brings “The Family Vacation” to Next Stage Arts on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m.
Written by Rosa Palmeri and directed by Shannon Ward and James Fordi, “The Family Vacation” follows the Duchess of Navarre, who decides it’s time for the family to take a trip to the seaside. Everyone else is doing it, so why shouldn’t they?
Unfortunately, the tides take a turn for the worse. The family soon finds itself battling not only the usual hazards of a seaside holiday – sunburn, sand, and squid – but also each other.
The production is performed by New England Youth Theatre’s Commedia Troupe, a group of middle school and high school students who tour their work to schools and venues throughout the region. Drawing inspiration from commedia dell’arte, the centuries-old Italian theatrical tradition known for its stock characters, heightened situations, and broad physical humor, “The Family Vacation” puts the troupe’s young performers at the center of a fast-moving theatrical romp filled with larger-than-life characters and fantastic physical comedy.
“The Family Vacation” will be performed Sunday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m., at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill in Putney. Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Tickets are discounted for children 12 and younger, and are available at www.nextstagearts.org.