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Alley Theatre Stages English, Kind & Calm

**Alley Theatre Stages Poignant Exploration of Grief and Connection with Sarah Saltwick’s ‘English, Kind & Calm’**

HOUSTON, TX – The Alley Theatre is currently captivating audiences with the world premiere of Sarah Saltwick’s profoundly moving new play, *English, Kind & Calm*, running now through Sunday, June 23rd, in the intimate Neuhaus Theatre. The production offers a raw and resonant look at loss, family bonds, and the search for connection in a world grappling with isolation.

Set primarily in a Houston home, the play centers on sisters Eleanor (Kara Greenberg) and Evelyn (Chelsea Ryan McCurdy) as they navigate the devastating aftermath of Eleanor’s profound loss of her child. While the immediate heartbreak unfolds in Texas, the emotional landscape frequently drifts back to England, where the sisters spent their formative years. It is in this dual setting that the play’s title, *English, Kind & Calm*, gains its deeper resonance, exploring the cultural tension between British stoicism and the unfiltered expression of grief. Gabriel Regojo rounds out the cast as Eleanor’s husband, Ben, providing another perspective on the ripple effects of sorrow within a family.

Playwright Sarah Saltwick, known for her character-driven narratives and insightful explorations of human experience, crafted this poignant work to delve into the complexities of how individuals connect—or tragically fail to—in times of immense personal struggle. Her previous works often examine family dynamics and the quiet battles waged within relationships, making *English, Kind & Calm* a natural extension of her compelling storytelling.

Director Kristen Idarola brings Saltwick’s vision to life with sensitivity and nuance. Idarola, who frequently helms new plays, expertly guides the talented cast through the play’s intricate emotional terrain, ensuring a performance that is both heart-wrenching and deeply reflective. The ensemble delivers powerful performances, particularly Greenberg and McCurdy, whose portrayals of Eleanor and Evelyn underscore the unique and often strained dynamics of sisterhood under duress.

The themes explored in *English, Kind & Calm*—grief, communication breakdowns, and the search for solace—are incredibly timely, offering audiences a space to reflect on universal human experiences. Critics and early attendees have praised the play for its emotional honesty and its ability to provoke thoughtful conversation long after the final curtain.

Performances of *English, Kind & Calm* run through June 23rd at the Neuhaus Theatre, located within the Alley Theatre complex at 615 Texas Avenue in downtown Houston. Due to the limited engagement, interested patrons are encouraged to secure their tickets soon. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online at www.alleytheatre.org or by calling the box office at 713-220-5700. Specific showtimes and additional information are available on the Alley Theatre’s website.

**About the Alley Theatre**
The Alley Theatre is a nationally recognized performing arts company and the only theatre in Texas to have won the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. The Alley is dedicated to developing and presenting new work, and to bringing theatrical excellence to Houston and beyond, serving more than 150,000 people each year. The Neuhaus Theatre is the Alley’s more intimate, flexible space, designed for new works and experimental productions.

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