LowellArts presents Best Kept Secrets in March

By Emma Palova || contributing writer

2/28/2024

In Peggy Aultman’s, Best Kept Secrets, the four main characters, best friends Abby, Helen, Liz and Sue, play a game to find a dark secret that may or may not be true. What is that secret and what will these women do about it? That is the main story line, crafted by newcomer playwright Aultman.

“What Peggy Aultman has done really well is write about a group of friends that feels genuinely close, in a way that could only be a friend-group who know each other on a very deep level,” said Laurel Conrad, Program Director for LowellArts.

The four characters share a strong bond, but they also share the complicated dynamics that come with a long-lasting friendship that feels authentic. “Director Lilleigh and the cast have put a lot of work to bring that friendship to life that really shows on stage,” Conrad said.

The LowellArts Theatre Committee chooses productions each year from plays proposed by committee members, theatre volunteers, playwrights, and the general public. A large factor is if the play is feasible in a non-traditional, black-box style venue in the LowellArts gallery. “Other considerations include the value the production would give our theatre artists and our audiences,” Conrad said. “And of course, our goal is to create a connection with our audiences. We want them to feel something, and hopefully, to carry that feeling with them beyond the performance.”

The Theatre Committee chose Aultman’s, Best Kept Secrets, for the 2024 theatre season because firstly, it gives an unpublished playwright the chance to have their work put on stage, according to Conrad. “Secondly, putting on new and original work is a very exciting process. Often, we find ourselves, even subconsciously, being influenced by other iterations or adaptations of the plays that have been done before,” she said.

The public should come to see the play, not only to support a local non-profit organization, but also to support the hard work of the six talented local artists working on the production. Lilleigh, Jack, Audrey, Martha, Roz’Lyn, and Amy have all dedicated the last two months or more to creating something entertaining and meaningful for the audience. Plus, there are some juicy secrets revealed about their characters, so you won’t want to miss out on these.

LowellArts is always happy to give a platform to new artists, as with this play. Sometimes, new art or artists can have a difficult time gaining traction in being presented to an audience. Humans are habitual - who hasn’t fallen back on that favorite comfort TV show, book, or movie? So, when there is a chance to try something different or new, sometimes it’s a good idea to just go for it.

“That’s one of the best things about directing new works – there are no productions, or anything of that nature, to look back on and compare your own to. You truly start from the ground up and get to watch as the vision – your vision - comes to life,” said Director, Lilleigh Christopher. Christopher’s vision of the show has already been slightly different than what the playwright originally intended.

“It’s been a great experience to be able to communicate with Peggy Aultman about the finer details. Even as you are watching the play unfold, I’m sure you’ll begin to create your own vision. I hope you all enjoy this cast and show, as much as I have enjoyed working with them on this play,” she said.

The play reflects the mission of the arts, theatre included, which are a vital part of life through which we share the human condition and experience that connects us all. By participating in the local arts available, people can broaden their horizons, for themselves and their communities, because they will be fostering understanding of different opinions and ideas.

The show times are:

Friday and Saturday, March 1, 2, 8 and 9, at 7:00 pm; Sunday, March 3 and 10, at 2:00 pm

​Doors open 30 minutes before show start time.

Shows are held at LowellArts Gallery, 223 W Main St, Lowell.

​Tickets: In Advance - $15 ($13 for LowellArts Members). At the Door - $20 ($18 for LowellArts Members)