The Old Settler

The Ensemble Theatre presents a revival of John Henry Redwood’s The Old Settler. Directed by Eileen J. Morris. Previews: May 3, 4, 7. Opening Night: May 8, 2014. Runs: May 8 – June 1, 2014

In World War II Harlem, two spinsters, Elizabeth and Quilly (or as they were called in those days – an “old settler”) take in a young male roomer, Husband who has come from South Carolina to search for his girlfriend, Lou Bessie.

There is an ominous cloud of tension that hangs over Elizabeth and Quilly’s relationship. This tension is further exacerbated when Elizabeth and Husband take to liking each other. It is this “carrying on” that exposes a thirty-year-old wound which, until now, only had a bandage—now the wound can heal for the sisters.

 "The poignancy of dashed hopes and the simplicity of human survival will always make the stuff of drama. As will a last chance at love. John Henry Redwood’s warm and audience-friendly THE OLD SETTLER…hits its target fair and square. There is more humanity and truth here than in many plays superficially far more fancy…Redwood writes with telling conviction…Redwood’s command of time, place and character is itself impeccable… With all its sentiment, and its heart so pointedly in the right place, it still skillfully avoids heartless sentimentality…" —NY Post.