TJ, played by Donovan Rawlings, laments over a package of meat after he realizes it's expired and he can't make his chili during the "guys' weekend" with his friends.
Friendship, the challenges of aging, and a battle of the sexes are all at the heart of "Beer for Breakfast," the Actors' Mission's newest production opening this weekend.
The play tells the story of three retirement-age men who go to a cabin for a guy's weekend when their friend's wife shows up instead of him. The men feel that Jessie, the wife, has intruded on their fun, and a showdown full of grade school games and challenges ensues.
"Each character has a backstory that I think we all can relate to," Erika Hunsaker, the director of the play, said.
Hunsaker particularly loves the character of Jessie, the only female in the play. Jessie is played by Aimee White, who also relates to the character. Hunsaker said when she watches Aimee play Jessie and sees her getting emotional, she knows it goes beyond just acting. Jessie's character shares more of her story through the play, and transforms from a reserved and somewhat snobbish politician's wife to "the girl she's always wanted to be," according to Hunsaker.
While the play is a comedy, it includes serious and sad moments and themes as well, containing both drama and lots of laughs, Hunsaker said.
Many of the laughs come from the competition and tension between Jessie and the men, especially the character TJ, who instigates many of the shenanigans. While it's hard to say who ultimately wins the battle, Hunsaker said the story shows how both men and women bring different but important strengths to the table.
"Beer for Breakfast" uses comedy to explore important themes, such as the regrets of lost time, the fact that aging and growth are beautiful and not something to be afraid of, and the importance of friends supporting each other.
"At the end you see all these friends come together and support each other," Hunsaker explained. "Even though they all lead very different lives, they all still love each other."
Hunsaker has personally learned about the importance of growth and the support of friends not only through the play's story but through her experiences as the director. This is the first time she has directed a play, and she said the process has been different and intimidating, but ultimately rewarding.
Loving working as a leader in other aspects of her life, Hunsaker felt ready to take on the challenges of directing. Once she started, however, she realized how difficult it could be. The play having a small cast made things easier, but the cast members being older than her was somewhat intimidating. They all learned to work together as Hunsaker guided the actors into their characters and the cast members helped guide Hunsaker into her leadership role.
Connecting to the play on a personal level was also its own unique challenge for Hunsaker. She shared that she had discouraging moments through her journey of directing, and occasionally had to step back, reset, and remember that it wasn't just about her so that she could focus on the actors and the story.
Despite the challenges, Hunsaker enjoyed directing, and said she thinks she prefers it to being on stage herself, although that may be due to the fact she's been on stage since seventh grade.
Hunsaker hopes to continue directing in the future, particularly hoping to do more comedies.
Hunsaker also hopes everyone will come enjoy this play and take away the message "growth is beautiful."
"Beer for Breakfast" opens Friday night at the Broadway Theater in Rock Springs. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 with a matinee at 2 p.m. Oct. 17. Admission is free and a complimentary meal will be served one hour before each performance.
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