PARALLEL CHEMISTRY. Eau Claire's Downstage Left production company will show “The Roommate” from June 11-13 at Valley View Farm near Eau Claire. Directed by Jake Lindgren and written by Jen Silverman, the play shares the story of two women who each are at the precipice of self-reinvention. (Photo by Esme Olstadt)

Long-time friends and veteran members of the Chippewa Valley’s theater communities will reunite on stage to explore themes of midlife reinvention, the uncovering of illicit secrets and profound personal transformations.

Downstage Left, a production company created by Jake Lindgren of Eau Claire, will soon bring art back to the stage – er, back porch? – for his latest production, “The Roommate.”

The play, written by Jen Silverman, will be shown at 7pm from June 11-13 in a rural, outdoors setting at Lindgren’s family farm – Valley View Farm – near Eau Claire.

“We joked about how fun it would be to do at the farm, since it takes place in (a) farmhouse,”  Lindgren said of the venue choice. “Then we started actually thinking about it and realized we could make it work and that would make the experience more special for everyone.”

With his directorial hat on, Lindgren sets the scene for curious attendees: Sharon (played by Molly Barnes), a recent divorcé in her mid-fifties, is in need of a roommate to share her home in Iowa. 

Robyn (played by Amber Dernbach), also in her mid-fifties, needs a place to hide and an opportunity to reimagine her life. As Sharon begins to uncover Robyn’s secrets, a deep-seated desire to transform her own life reveals itself.

“Since there is such a familial level of comfort in our trio, the smallness allows for the kind of play in which real gems are unearthed.”

amber dernbach

actor, plays robyn in “The Roommate”

This dark comedy, both Dernbach and Barnes said, offers anecdotes for “what happens when the wheels come off” and lessons learned when re-routing one’s trajectory.

Through the rehearsal process, Lindgren has witnessed his perspectives on regional theater and performances at-large reaffirmed: he finds great value in intimate performances with very few cast members.

“I love to explore relationships through everyday situations and the tension and discourse that come from just being human,” Lindgren said. “More attention can be paid to the characters, language, subtext and relationships.

“Because it’s just (the) two of them, it all comes down to their chemistry,” he continued.

The production also serves as a reunion for these cast members and director, who have collaborated in the Valley’s theater scenes – and through Downstage Left – for decades.

Amber Dernbach as Robyn (left) and Molly Barnes as Sharon (right) at Lindgren's family farm. (Photo by Esme Olstadt)

“We are friends who all love theater, have strong social consciences and like to make each other laugh,” Barnes said. “I think our ability and willingness to trust each other really comes through in this production of ‘The Roommate.’ ”

As with many productions that mirror everyday life, both Barnes and Dernbach have discovered parallels between the story arcs of their characters and life here in the Valley.

Guided by Lindgren’s directorial vision and Silverman’s script, both “women of a certain age” in “The Roommate” are dynamic rather than static characters, Barnes said.

These interwoven stories offer space – amidst an at-times cramped Iowa home – to evolve and uncover new senses of empowerment. By letting go of past notions, both Sharon and Robyn embrace the chance to redefine their own lives.

Working with a site-specific performance adds a whole new dimension for character development in the play, Dernbach said, noting that “Sharon’s Iowa home is a symbol of the familiar she wants to shed and the grounding that Robyn is seeking.”

“Sitting on Jake’s porch, looking out at the beautiful landscape, gave me a completely new sensation as Robyn told Sharon that prior to moving from the Bronx to Iowa ‘(she) imagined wide open skies… and rising at dawn.’ ”

“Since there is such a familial level of comfort in our trio, the smallness allows for the kind of play in which real gems are unearthed,” Dernbach continued.

The current trio of Downstage Left believes this production, regardless of its smaller scale structure, will resonate with women and diverse audience members. While the concept of “risk” varies between characters and attendees, it can often lead to unexpected connections, profound truths and a much-needed dose of laughter.

Locals are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit and enjoy “The Roommate” in its outdoor venue. Weather will dictate if and when the show will be rescheduled this summer at Valley View Farm.

Downstage Left presents “The Roommate” from June 11-13 at Valley View Farm; address will be provided to ticket holders upon purchase. Tickets are $25/person and can be bought online through Eventbrite.