A Fractured Family Reunites in Avon Players’ ‘Marvin’s Room’

Heartwarming Play Proves it’s Never too Late to go Home

Unexpected developments lead to an unlikely reconciliation for one family in Avon Players’ production of Marvin’s Room running January 18-February 2.

Adult sisters Bessie (Deirdre Ward-Beck) and Lee (Lia DiFonzo) have not seen each other for many years. When Bessie is diagnosed with leukemia, Lee returns home to Florida, and the estranged siblings reunite. In tow are Lee’s two troubled sons: Hank (Bodi Johnson), who is in a mental institution after having burned down their house, and Charlie (Kaden Selvidge), who has his head permanently stuck in a book despite struggling in school. There, Lee must also come to terms with her bed-ridden father, Marvin, for whom Bessie has long been the sole caregiver, and eccentric Aunt Ruth (Lesa Bydalek). What begins as an uneasy visit marred by long-buried resentments becomes a lesson in love and the meaning of family.

Marvin’s Room received the 1992 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, and Laura Esterman won a Drama Desk Award as well as an Obie for her portrayal of Bessie. The 1996 film adaptation starred Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Diane Keaton (who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance). The 2017 Broadway production starred Janeane Garafalo and Lili Taylor as the sisters.

Tickets for all shows are $18. Call 248-608-9077 for tickets or order online at www.AvonPlayers.org. Group rates are available by calling the box office. “Like” Avon Players Theatre on Facebook for special offers on tickets. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. All seats are reserved. Show dates and times follow:

  • Friday, January 18              8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, January 19         8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, January 20           2:00 p.m.
  • Friday, January 25              8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, January 26         8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, January 27           2:00 p.m.
  • Friday, February 1               8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 2           8:00 p.m.
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