Ensemble Theatre Company, in association with J. Todd Harris, will present “Parents in Chains,” a world premiere comedy, at the New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara.
Written by Jay Martel, directed by Andy Fickman, and starring Sharon Lawrence, the show runs Wednesday, March 12 Sunday, March 30.
In “Parents in Chains,” six L.A. parents exchange texts as their 17-year-old daughters drive home from a weekend in San Francisco during the approach of a hurricane.
The trip and the inclement weather bring out both the best and the worst in the parents as they confront, as a group, as couples, and as individuals, what it means to let go of their kids.
By turns funny and poignant, “Parents in Chains” pays tribute to the most difficult, most failure-prone job in the world — parenting.
“‘Parents in Chains’ is a hilarious and inventive new play that captures the chaos and heart of modern family life in a way that’s fresh and unforgettable,” said Scott DeVine, executive artistic director of Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara. “The script is razor-sharp, and the innovative use of text messaging as a storytelling device adds a uniquely contemporary twist.
“This production perfectly reflects Ensemble Theatre Company’s mission to celebrate the human spirit with bold, imaginative works that push the boundaries of how stories are told on stage.
“I am thrilled to bring this amazingly talented team of award-winning artists to Santa Barbara and I can’t wait for our community to experience the laughter and surprises of this one-of-a-kind world premiere.”
Performances are 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays.
There will be added performances at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, March 18 and March 25.
Ticket prices range from $25-$94. All patrons ages 35 and under are always $35. Student tickets are $25. Single tickets available through the ETC ticket office, 805-965-5400, or online at etcsb.org. Prices subject to change.
For more, visit https://etcsb.org/production/parents-in-chains/.
Lawrence recently had a series regular role in the Paramount + series “Joe Pickett.” Previously, she starred opposite Kirsten Dunst in the Showtime series “On Becoming a God in Central Florida,” and as an elusive librarian in “Home Before Dark” for Apple TV.
Many recurring roles include “Rebel” with Katy Sagal and Andy Garcia; a serial killer in CBS’s “Criminal Minds;” Sam Elliott’s love interest in “The Ranch;” and in the critically acclaimed series “Queen Sugar.”
Lawrence is recognized from her multiple Emmy-nominated and SAG Award-winning portrayal of Ada Sylvia Costas Sipowitz in “NYPD Blue,” and as Izzy’s tender but ditzy Mom on “Grey’s Anatomy” (for which she earned her EMMY nomination). Her fifth EMMY nomination came in 2021 as lead actress in a digital series “The Gaze.”