2025 Season

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Enemies of a Hometown

By Louise Marie Kiesel

Director - Kristin Hansen

Director, Kristen Hansen is a seasoned theatre professional with extensive credits, including The Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis and The Actors Gang in Los Angeles. She holds an MFA in acting from Rutgers University and has had a multifaceted stage career as a director, actress, producer, and playwright. Additionally, she has garnered numerous awards in filmmaking, with her feature film Sonny Boy currently circulating on the festival circuit.

Playwright, Louise Marie Kiesel has had a diverse career as an actor and educator. She has worked professionally and studied theatre arts in both New York City and Los Angeles, most notably in NYC at H.B. Studio and in LA with Stella Adler. Her passion for theatre and storytelling eventually led her to perform for children, prompting her to focus on incorporating improvisational and creative methods to teach young learners. With over 20 years of experience as a Master's Early Childhood Teacher, she has also successfully written grants to enhance arts and science programs in public schools. In 2018, Louise Marie left teaching to undergo treatment for breast cancer, which inspired her to complete Enemies of a Hometown the play she had started writing years before she was diagnosed. Louise Marie holds a BA in Political Science from Rutgers University and was influenced by two of her political science professors: one who introduced her to Ibsen and played a vital role in her journey, and the other who taught her to value the "ideal" of democracy in America.

Enemies of a Hometown

Set in a fictional modern-day coastal California town, Enemies of a Hometown reimagines Henrik Ibsen's classic An Enemy of the People, transforming it to explore the contradictions within American society while highlighting the broader threats to democratic ideals.

Summary:

Enemies of a Hometown is a drama about the idealist versus the realist as reflected in American society, revealing its faults and contradictions but illuminating the power of one to stand for truth and good to begin a sequence for change. Conflict arises when Doctor Stockman, an environmental scientist, who is assisting with the planning of the magnet school discovers the grounds are contaminated and commits to his duty to inform the public. His brother, who is the mayor of the town and a popular pastor, wants to keep the truth buried and battles to silence his brother. Dr. Stockman, his family, and his friend face public backlash and threats from the community but remain steadfast in their commitment to reveal the truth and do what's right no matter the cost. 

Next up: Diner

Bob's Diner is a small-town family-owned diner famous for its mediocre food, but with a side witty banter from its owner Bob, and his wife Bea. Their daughter Nikki loves working alongside her family and interacting with all the unique town locals, that is until an unexpected visit from an ex-boyfriend, Brody-who left town years ago to chase big dreams (and failed) returns, looking for a second chance at love and a political career. Sheriff Brian (Brody's brother and the only Sheriff in town) not only has to deal with the media circus that trails his brother returning to town, but he's also handling a very difficult detainee, Mrs. McAster, a spirited woman who feels she's too good for a place like this. Desperate, the Sheriff asks for assistance from Bob, who reluctantly takes her in at the diner and puts her to work, unbeknownst to him, his family and a very old history are about to collide. The Diner is a comedy full of snappy dialogue and humor about family, forgiveness, and the chaos of running a small-town diner where love is always on the menu whether you order it or not.

Youth Production:

TBA

NOTE: The Elite Theatre Company is adjusting its policy regarding COVID safety. While proof of vaccination is no longer required for audience members, we ask for cooperation, and request that unvaccinated audience members wear proper protective masks while inside the theatre building. ALL volunteer staff and crew at The Elite must show proof of vaccination and boosters, and will continue to wear masks for the protection of our audiences, staff, and artists; this policy shall remain in effect until further notice.

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