The Orphans' Home Cycle Part 2: The Story of a Marriage

Horace finally gets some love!

I was able to see Part 2 of Hartford Stage's World Premiere Theatrical Event The Orphan's Home Cycle last week with my friend Jared Weber. After the development of Horace's life in Part 1, I was more than ready to see Horace Robedaux, the central character who we see grow from a young boy into an adult, have something go his way. Part 2, The Story of a Marriage, shows Horace forming an attachment with a widowed mother of two but as Horace's luck would have it, his love is not reciprocated.

Then he meets Elizabeth. And finally, something goes his way. Sort of. Her father disapproves of the match but the young couple move out on their own. The struggle for Horace is not only to find approval from Elizabeth's dad but to be able to show support for his young bride and their child-to-be. Act 3 brings a pivotal scene in which Horace tells Elizabeth how he has always felt like an orphan his whole life and finally, with her, he finally feels a part of a family. Bill Heck, portrays Horace with an urgency to portray this brokenhearted character but with an ease that is so overwhelming, you can't help but only hope for the best.

What I love most about this production, beside the story and acting, is the music that walks hand in hand with the play. Each act opens with the glorious original music by John Gromada, that creates a real environment, as if we stepped right off the train into the heart of these characters.

Here's an excerpt I found online of a music session from the play. Enjoy.


I look forward to see the last Part of this event. Oh Horace, I only wish you the best.

Welcome Home Orphan Child!

I had the great pleasure of seeing the first part of the world premiere theatrical event of Horton Foote's THE ORPHAN'S HOME CYCLE at Hartford Stage.

Part 1 titled "The Story of a Childhood introduces us to Horace, a young boy who's father has just passed and his mother and younger sister move to Houston without him. Within Part 1, there are three acts, each with its own story to tell (each act lasts around an hour) while following the story of Horace.

Horace, throughout his life, has been neglected by his own family and struggles to make amends with the family he so desperately wants to be a part of. While this play in its first part was almost three hours long, I never strayed away from the material but with enthusiasm as I couldn't wait to see what happened next. As Part 1 concluded I couldn't help but wish I was at the marathon showing (where they perform all 3 parts - all 9 acts!). The pacing is really well done, as is the costumes and the use of the set (fascinating revolving panels that hide and then exchange young to older Horace in the beginning of the play).

The last two Parts will be presented at Hartford Stage in the coming weeks and after that, it will make it's way to Signature Theatre in NYC this November. I for one, can't wait to see the rest of the cycle - a big thanks to Jared Weber for letting me tag along.

For more information:
http://www.hartfordstage.org/ohc