Cause Theatre Presents ‘Benched’

Joan, left, listens to her boss’s incessant demands as Timby and Meghan watch in amusement and sympathy in Cause Theatre’s production of “Benched” at the College of Southern Maryland. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22, 8 p.m. Sept. 23, and 2 p.m. Sept. 24 at the La Plata Campus; 2:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Prince Frederick Campus; and 8 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Leonardtown Campus.

In the College of Southern Maryland’s Cause Theater presentation of “Benched,” life for three women who meet on the bench can be crazy, fun, and eventually quite difficult. The play is about the trio, who meet every day at the same park bench to laugh, commiserate and complain about the challenges of motherhood.

Meghan (played by Katie Hutchison), Timby (played by Michelle Freire) and Joan (played by Andrea Templeton) don’t realize the co-dependent unit they have become, until one of them confronts one of life’s powerful changes. The challenge threatens their connection in a profound and frightening way.

In a review after the play was performed at Georgetown’s National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, The Washington Post wrote, “… bright and funny one-liners. … In a series of scenes that are across months, ‘Benched’ grows less giggly as life pulls the three friends in different directions and reaches a poignant conclusion.”

“Benched” contains some mature language and may not be suitable for all ages.

CSM’s Cause Theatre focuses on challenging and timely productions, addressing topics that range from health concerns like substance abuse, sexual health and body image to social issues like sexual orientation, racism, women’s issues and sexual assault, and suicide. These performances have created a forum on campus for students to examine societal attitudes and behaviors.

The play, by Allyson Currin, will be performed at all three CSM campuses by special arrangement with the playwright.

See it on the La Plata Campus at 8730 Mitchell Road at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22, 8 p.m. Sept. 23, and 2 p.m. Sept. 24. The Prince Frederick Campus Building B Multipurpose Room at 115 J.W. Williams Road will host the performance at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 29. The show will be performed at 8 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Leonardtown Campus Building A Auditorium at 22950 Hollywood Road.

Tickets are $5.

The central box office for all three campuses is in the Fine Arts Center on the La Plata Campus. To reach the box office, call 301-934-7828 or email [email protected]. Tickets are available online. This year, theatergoers have the option of printing their own tickets.

For more about the College of Southern Maryland, visit their Leader member page.