Tony Nominee “Mothers and Sons” by Terrence McNally

Tony Nominee for Best Play in 2014, Terrence McNally’s powerful, poignant Broadway drama explores love, loss, and generational change. “Mothers and Sons” is rooted in optimism and is a story that manages to look simultaneously over its shoulder and straight ahead to the future. It effectively locks into New York City 2014 amid the explosive progress of the gay rights movement. It gauges a changed America.

“Mothers and Sons” follows Katharine Gerard, a grieving mother, who pays an unannounced visit to the Manhattan apartment of her late son’s former partner, Cal. It’s been 20 years since her son’s death from AIDS. Cal is now happily married with a sweet young son. Cal and Will’s loving, modern family life provides a stark contrast to Katharine’s grief and bitterness. As generations and conflicting worldviews collide over the course of an afternoon, we witness grief, forgiveness, and the reality of a changing world.

Recipient of several lifetime achievement awards, Terrence McNally was among the first playwrights to introduce theater audiences to homosexual characters and situations some 60 years ago. He depicts how close to the surface long-suppressed emotions and slights can fester, but shows that warmth, grace and human connection bring the promise of change.

“Mothers and Sons” will be on stage at A.C.T. Studio Theatre weekends Nov. 13 – 22. For tickets and information, please visit actstudiotheatre.com or call (772) 932-8880. Tickets are $28. A.C.T., a small nonprofit theater, is unique in the area. The intimate theater is located in the Cedar Pointe Plaza, 2399 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart.