The theater has always been a big part of Robert and Bridget Cusack's relationship. Since they met as students of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, through their years with the Darien Players, the two have shared a love of the stage. This fall, they'll share that love with Darien.
Robert and Bridget are organizing "Weekend One-Acts," three brief plays, at the Darien Library. They'll take the stage themselves in a performance of Tennessee Williams' "I Can't Imagine Tomorrow." The couple will step into familiar roles, just as they did in their off-off-Broadway productions in the late '70s and early '80s.
Robert will serve as the director and actor, with Bridget as his star. She said their long relationship helps them perform. "You know how to get in the moment faster," she said. "And you know how much work it takes to put things together."
After graduating from the academy in 1975, Robert and Bridget remained in New York. They started a theater company, putting on mostly children's shows and musicals. They raised their three sons, Bob, Brendan and Kieran, surrounded by the theater and actors. "They thought it was normal," Bridget said. "And then they grew up and realized that's not what people do."
Robert and Bridget started working with the library when the Catherine Lindsey Memorial Actors/Playwrights Workshop Seriesfounded in honor of their friendmoved to the then-new building in 2009. Robert liked the venue so much he asked Erica Bess, head of adult programming and knowledge and learning services librarian, to help him stage the Weekend One-Acts.
She agreed and set the performances for Oct. 15 and 17. "The community is really interested in theater," Bess said. "And so we thought, what a great way to make use of this wonderful stage."
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