‘Getting Out’ at Edge Theater explores offender’s life

Just because one is released from prison doesn’t mean that one is free.

In The Edge Theater’s production of Marsha Norman’s “Getting Out,” a released convict must wrestle with her past to have any chance of a future.

The show runs at the theater, 1560 Teller St., Suite 200, in Lakewood from March 4 through April 3. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays.

“This is a play I’ve thought about putting on here at The Edge for a while,” said director Rick Yaconis. “I love how it’s written, and the characters are so unique and fun.”

“Getting Out” follows Arlene (Missy Moore) as she returns home after years of rowdy behavior and prison time. The audience gets to see the kind of child Arlene was with the presence of “Arlie” (Xandra Prestia Turner), who shows how and why Arlene ended up in prison in the first place.

“It’s been exciting and exhilarating to work as closely with an actor as I did with Xandra,” Moore said. “We did a lot of mirroring work physically and vocally to convince audiences we’re the same person.”

Moore and Turner spent a lot of time together working on their characters, ensuring they pronounced certain words the same way. They also worked on their body language together.

Through this living window to the past, Turner said, audiences get to understand the complex character better, as she takes them on a journey from age 8 to her 20s.

“Arlie is so intense, which is great, because as an actor I’ve wanted to do more edgy stuff,” Turner said. “It’s been kind of fun to use that much aggression in a character.”

While the focus of the play is on Arlene’s release from prison, Yaconis said it’s a wonderful metaphor for people who are struggling to change their lives.

“These characters could be anyone trying to make a change,” he said. “It’s the kind of play that will always be relevant.”

The play is mostly a drama with some comedy blended in, but Moore sees it as a very hopeful piece.

“Through all the darkness, there’s an acceptance of self,” she said. “It’s about moving forward, and not succumbing to our demons.”

For more information, call 303-232-0363 or visit www.theedgetheater.com.

Golden Transcript – Latest Stories