Culture Connect Featured Event

A young nun dies under mysterious circumstances in a remote parish in northern Michigan. Her superior, Father Rivard, stands charged with her murder. The action alternates between interrogations, testimony and scenes from the past which reveal that Father Rivard, being banished to the small, up-country Michigan parish, fell in love with Sister Rita.

When circumstances force her to move into the rectory with him, his anguish becomes unbearable. Their relationship inevitably spells tragedy, but not until the explosive and surprising climax of the play is the full extent of their sacrifice made clear and the identity of the murderer revealed.

"The Runner Stumbles" is a powerful and compelling play, dealing with issues of passion, faith, and justice, which had the unique distinction of receiving both Off-Broadway and repertory productions prior to its critically hailed Broadway presentation. The film adaptation (1979) starred Dick Van Dyke, Kathleen Quinlan and Maureen Stapleton. 

This production is Directed by John B. Coppola (New Rochelle) and stars Richard Warren (Bridgeport) as Father Rivard, Kate Telfer (Greenwich) as Sister Rita, and Barbara Lencheck (Norwalk) as Mrs. Shandig. The dynamic cast, most of whom are returning actors from previous DAC productions, also features Darien teacher Abigail J. Warren, performing for the first time with her uncle. Adele Bernstein provided custom musical arrangement for the show, and Mrs. Keefe's 5th Grade Class at Brookside School in Norwalk recorded "The Lilac Song", the show's theme.

Performances will be held at the DAC Weatherstone Studio, 2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT, 06820 on May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 at 8pm, and May 6, 13 at 2 pm. Tickets are $25 for Adults and $20 for Seniors. For tickets or more information, please contact the DAC Box Office at 203-655-5414, or visit the website at arts.darien.org.