Now and Then - Hampton Theatre Company | 10.20.24

The Hampton Theatre Company is currently producing the Sean Grennan play “Now and Then” from October 17th to November 3rd at Quogue Community Hall. This was my first experience with HTC and my first time at the venue and it is absolutely beautiful! It is warm & inviting - creating the perfect atmosphere for such a captivating production. This show (directed by Mary Powers) exceeded my expectations and was extraordinarily unique. It takes place at closing time at a bar in 1981 where the bartender and his girlfriend are ready to enjoy a night together when a stranger comes in and offers them a large sum of money in exchange for a few drinks and conversation. We come to discover that they share an unlikely connection which forces them to question some of their life choices. 

I spent some time on my podcast with two of this show’s cast members - Stephanie Moreau and Dayne Rasmussen - and I think Stephanie put it best when she said that “so many people get caught up in thinking that the grass is always greener…and that ‘if I had only made this choice my life would have been so much better’ or ‘what if I met this person’ or ‘what if I entered into this relationship’...and sometimes the best choice is the one you already made.” The story is thought-provoking and heart warming…and to say anything more would truly spoil things.

So let’s move onto this amazingly talented cast!

Dayne Rasmussen plays Jamie, the bartender preparing to close the bar for the night. He starts the show on stage by himself, but carries a presence that fills the stage. He is so genuine with his portrayal of Jamie that you have to wonder if he shares a personal connection with his story. 

Actually, he does in a way. We learned on the podcast that he used to be a bartender - which explains why he looked so natural getting drinks together. Check it out here!

This was my first time seeing Rasmussen perform and I can’t wait to see more! John L. Payne plays the role of the Man - the stranger that comes in looking for company. Payne is another force on this stage, who can draw your attention with just a sigh. His portrayal of the Man was relatable and you will find yourself empathizing and connecting with the character’s story; you almost feel like you were on this emotional rollercoaster ride together. 

John L. Payne & Dayne Rasmussen | Photo Credit: HamptonTheatre.org

Jamie’s girlfriend Abby is played by Kate Brady, who I will also need to see more of! There are a number of ups and downs to ride out as we get to know this character and Brady brings you through fantastically. When we first meet Abby, she is that stereotypical bubbly and cute waitress that we’ve seen on TV; but as the night continues we see her run through a number of different emotions and Brady delivers at every turn. All you need is one facial expression and you can feel everything that Abby is feeling.

John L. Payne & Kate Brady | Photo Credit: HamptonTheatre.org

The last character we meet is the Woman, played by Stephanie Moreau. Moreau was the only person in this production that I was familiar with and this is my favorite from her so far. She brought emotion and comedy to this role and could make you gasp or laugh with just a glance. You simply cannot take your eyes off her! She has also mastered the art of pauses and silences; there are conversations in Act 2 that have you hanging on to her every word, as you also consider what she’s saying and apply it to your own life.

Stephanie Moreau, John L. Payne, Kate Brady, Dayne Rasmussen | Photo Credit: HamptonTheatre.org

I have heard so many positive things about Director Mary Powers over the years and now I see why! She deserves just as much credit for the success of this production as the cast. It is clear that a lot of thought went into who each character is and what their role is in telling the story and that is certainly thanks to Powers. The set was cool and intricate, which I loved. Designed by Meg Sexton, this bar had it all. It looks just like an Irish bar - there are so many little things to look at and serves as the perfect backdrop to such impressive storytelling. “Now and Then” will leave you questioning many of the decisions in your own life but leave you feeling content about where you are today - don’t miss this one!

Tickets can be purchased via their website at hamptontheatre.org.

Cast:

Jamie - Dayne Rasmussen

Man - John L. Payne

Abby - Kate Brady

Woman - Stephanie L. Moreau

Creative Team:

Director - Mary Powers

Producer - Roger Moley

Set Design - Meg Sexton

Set Construction - joe Kenny, Meg Sexton

Sound Design - Meg Sexton

Sound Engineers - Jon Presto, Alex White

Sound/Lighting Tech - Kelly Weresnick

Lighting Design - Sebastian Paczynski

Costume Design - Teresa Lebrun

Rehearsal Stage Manager - Melisa Didio

Props - George A. Loizides, Roger Moley

Box Office - Cat Bracksmayer, Debora Jacques

Production Graphics - Joe Pallister

House Manager - Julia Morgan Abrams