Staged Reading of a Southern Revenge Comedy: Exit, Pursued by a Bear

Adirondack Stage Rats presents a staged reading of Exit, Pursued by a Bear by Lauren Gunderson—one of America’s most-produced and celebrated playwrights. This sharp, darkly funny revenge comedy has been described as “Goodbye Earl meets 9 to 5,” and explores themes of friendship, domestic justice, and theatrical catharsis.

Exit, Pursued by a Bear
by Lauren Gunderson

Adirondack Stage Rats is thrilled to present a staged reading of this wonderful, insightful revenge comedy by one of America’s premiere and most frequently produced playwrights!

Starring Peter Corley, Dylan Duffy, Laura Menzie, and Addison Schuh.
Directed by Beth Glover.

This wild, crazy mash-up of humor, seriousness, and absurdity has been described as:

“(The) Dixie Chicks’ “Goodbye Earl” meets 9-5.” (WABE, Atlanta’s NPR station)

And

“If the Coen Brothers decided to set a feminist revenge tale in Atlanta and sprinkle it with Dixie Chicks pixie dust, it might look something like Exit, Pursued by a Bear, a raucous comedy of friendship, domestic abuse, and performance-as-catharsis.” (ArtsCritic Atlanta)

The plot:

To teach her abusive husband a lesson, Nan enlists the help of friends Simon and “exotic dancer” /wannabe actor Sweetheart. Duct-taped to his recliner, Kyle is forced to watch as they reenact scenes from his and Nan’s past. Will he embrace reformation, or will they be forced to solve problem Kyle by covering the room in meat and honey, leaving him to be mauled by the wildlife he so often (and ILLEGALLY) hunted?

Through this night of emotional trials and ridiculous theatrics, Nan and Kyle are both freed from their past in this smart, dark revenge comedy. Off-beat, unexpected, funny, touching, frightening – and ultimately triumphant.

You have TWO opportunities to join us for EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR:

SATURDAY, MAY 17th at 3pm at PENDRAGON THEATRE, SARANAC LAKE and

SUNDAY, MAY 18th at 3pm at WESTPORT HERITAGE HOUSE in Westport, NY

(Sponsored by THE DEPOT THEATRE and the WESTPORT-WADHAMS COMMUNITY ALLIANCE)

Join us for art, refreshments, and spirited conversation!

About Depot Theatre

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” Learn more and get tickets at depottheatre.org.