LATROBE, PA – Saint Vincent Summer Theatre (SVST) will bring its 56th season to a close with “Rounding Third,” scheduled to hit the stage from Sept. 8 through Sept. 13.
“Rounding Third,” written by Richard Dresser, is touted as a tumultuous yet humorous journey that follows two Little League baseball coaches throughout a season, stretching from the coaches’ first meeting all the way to the climactic championship game.
“Don,” played by Lawrence Lesher, is a tough, blue-collar, win-at-all-costs veteran coach whose son is the star pitcher. In the other dugout, “Michael,” played by Thom Brown III, is a newcomer to the sport and believes a coach’s primary function is to be sure all the players have fun.
“Don,” on the other hand, believes teaching the kids how to win should be the coaches’ top priority. Out of conflicting philosophies on competition, character and punctuality, the real issues of the play emerge: How should we raise our children? Do we protect our children as long as possible? Or do we prepare them to be tough enough to win?
“I really feel our audiences will thoroughly enjoy this play, where two different baseball coaches have different views on coaching and life. It will leave you thinking and hopefully send you home with a positive message about how people can change and evolve based on meeting new people and simply listening,” said Greggory Brandt, who serves as SVST producing artistic director, director of theater operations and a professor of theater at Saint Vincent College. “I chose this show knowing how people love baseball—as I do—and it has a great message where two coaches discover that their shared love of the game is more important than whether they’re on the same page of life’s playbook. It’s truly a home run of a comedy!”
All shows this season have been directed by Brandt and take place in the Performing Arts Center, located within the Robert S. Carey Student Center on campus.
“Rounding Third” will have eight performances with 2 p.m. matinees on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for all performances can be purchased online. For group rates and additional box office details, call 724-537-8900.
Complimentary transportation will be provided from the parking areas to the Performing Arts Center. A limited number of handicapped parking spaces are available closer to the theater.
There is no Cabaret following the evening shows but there will be snacks and water available for purchase.
