“The Subject was Roses” opens at Theatre West on Thursday for three weeks of performances

Oregon Coast TODAY **“The Subject was Roses” tells the story of Timmy Cleary, played by Scott Christianson, after he returns home from his service during World War II.**

By Oregon Coast TODAY

The new production from Lincoln City’s Theatre West, “The Subject was Roses,” opens on Thursday, Oct. 30.

Written by Frank D. Gilroy, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play premiered on Broadway in May 1964, starring Jack Albertson, Irene Dailey and Martin Sheen. A major critical and commercial success, the play ran for 832 performances and was nominated for five Tony Awards, winning two for Best Play and Best Featured Actor. For his work in the play, Gilroy won the year’s Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Bonnie Ross is directing this production, which tells the story of Timmy Cleary, played by Scott Christianson, after he returns home from his service during World War II. While he seems to vindicate himself in his father’s eyes for surviving the war, his drinking and cursing disturb his mother.

Although his parents, John, played by Bryan Kirsch, and Nettie, played by Naomi Fast, seem to be happy, the peace proves to be a facade. Soon old emotional wounds and unresolved marital problems resurface. Caught in the middle, Timmy feels responsible for their squabbling, but can see no way to resolve their problems.

“The Subject was Roses” runs through Saturday, Nov. 22, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with one 2 p.m. matinée on Sunday, Nov. 16.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for students and seniors age 60 and older.

Theatre West is located at 3536 S.E. Highway 101 in Lincoln City. For more information, go to www.theatrewest.com or call 541-994-5663.