THE STORY: It’s the weekend of the New York City Marathon, and Stephen, preparing for his first race, needs a good night’s sleep. Emily, his wife’s old roommate, shows up unexpectedly in the wee hours of the morning. In crisis and unable to find a hotel room, Emily is returning to the apartment she once lived in and where, years ago, she and Stephen may or may not have met. Seeing her old home brings back memories and Stephen, dealing with his own troubles with marriage and work, is jarred from his complacency and forced to face his failures. Late night conversations become late night confessions and connections. Will Stephen be running on empty?
“The audience gets to know the characters as they get to know each other over the course of the night. Their talk becomes more intimate and more revealing as the play progresses, and the comic tone becomes more melancholy as the themes of middle-age loss, self-knowledge and loneliness push through. Ms. Hutton, best known for The Nibroc Trilogy, has a fine ear for the fits and starts of conversation…the loose, thinking-it-through-as-we-go quality is part of its charm.” —The New York Times.
“Accomplished playwright Arlene Hutton has written a smart, funny script with a strong narrative and complete studies of two identifiable characters…a very real, human drama.” —NY Theatre.
“a remarkable script that flows sweetly and smoothly…gifted writing.” —New York Theatre Review.
“Arlene Hutton’s slick, frequently insightful RUNNING investigates the titular action as a means of coping with life’s disappointments…a strong showcase for Hutton’s wit and craft.” —Time Out New York.
