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The production of the 1979 classic by Ernest Thompson is the first of many events to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Darien Arts Center.
The play tells the story of aging couple Ethel and Norman Thayer, who spend their summers at their home on the pond. The story unfolds as their daughter Chelsea visits them with her fiancé Billy Ray Sr. and his son, Billy Ray Jr. They ask the Thayers to watch Billy Ray Jr. while they visit Europe, which leads to unexpected bonding between Norman and the boy.
Dino, formerly of New York City and White Plains, New York, is making his debut with DAC Stage as Billy Ray Sr. He currently lives in Norwalk with his wife, Melissa, an Emmy award-winning producer at Sesame Workshop and his two children, Jackson and Ella.
Dino has performed in many community theater productions, including "A Streetcar Named Desire" and previously as Billy Ray in "On Golden Pond" at Curtain Call in Stamford. He has also been seen in the Town Players of New Canaan's production of "A Time To Kill" as Rufus Buckley and as Richard Nixon's right-hand man in the Westport Community Theatre production of "Frost/Nixon." Other stage roles include Kerry Max Cook in Elmwood Playhouse's "The Exonerated," Mr. Stanley in "The Man Who Came To Dinner" and Andrew Ladd in "Love Letters."
Dino began his acting career 25 years ago when he attended the Herbert Bergoff Studio and studied with Edward Morehouse and Uta Hagen. He has been a Screen Actors Guild member for 21 years and has worked in movies, television and stage. His television work includes "The Following" and "The Mysteries of Laura" and in the past year he has worked on "St. James Place," directed by Steven Spielberg and "The Intern" with Robert DeNiro. He originally worked in radio and left his job to be a stay-at-home dad and take part in acting opportunities. He credits his wife and children for giving him the support needed to pursue his acting dreams.
The play is directed by Patrick Kiley of Fairfield and in addition to Dino, the cast includes David Jackins as Charlie Martin, the local postman; Nancy Sinacori as Ethel Thayer; DAC Kids’ Theatre teacher and veteran actress Kitty Robertson as Chelsea Thayer Wayne; Will Jeffries as Norman Thayer, and MacKay Mumford as Billy Ray, Jr.
Performances are on March 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 in the DAC Weatherstone Studio. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at darienarts.org or by calling the DAC box office at 203-655-5414. The Arts Center is at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Darien Town Hall.
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