The holidays are always a wild family affair at the Shealy house. But this year, Dotty and her three grown children gather with more than exchanging presents on their minds. As Dotty struggles to hold on to her memory, her children must fight to balance care for their mother and care for themselves. This twisted and hilarious new play grapples unflinchingly with aging parents, midlife crises, and the heart of a West Philly neighborhood. Colman Domingo (WILD WITH HAPPY) returns to The Vineyard following his solo show A BOY AND HIS SOUL and Tony Award® nomination for THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, reuniting with Tony Award®-winning director Susan Stroman after her ground-breaking work on THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS.

Check out our inaugural “Theatre Uncorked” podcast with Colman Domingo and Susan Stroman

“CRITICS’ PICK!

UPROARIOUSLY FUNNY! DEEPLY MOVING!

A thoroughly entertaining comedy-drama, an impressive advance for Colman Domingo. Dotty is played with glowing warmth and sensitivity by Marjorie Johnson. THE CAST IS TERRIFIC.” – Charles Isherwood, The New York Times

“‘DOT’ IS RAUCOUSLY FUNNY AND MOST REWARDING!

Kudos to the Vineyard Theatre’s highly engaging production, helmed by the celebrated Broadway veteran Susan Stroman. She strikes a most responsive chord. The ensemble of seven is ideal. Marjorie Johnson delivers beautifully!” – Roma Torre, NY1

“‘DOT’ IS ROLLICKING AND AFFECTING!

VERY FUNNY, VERY MOVING AND PROPELLED BY A WONDERFUL TEAM OF ACTORS.

Susan Stroman does a perceptive job with this comedy-drama. All seven actors gloriously shine. Sharon Washington is a thorough joy. Colin Hanlon and Michael Rosen give humorous and sensitive performances. Finnerty Steeves is uproariously funny. Colman Domingo provides the audience with NONSTOP LAUGHTER AND TENDER SENSITIVITY.” – Steven Suskin, The Huffington Post

“A MAGNIFICENT NEW PLAY! FULL OF LAUGHTER AND HEARTBREAK.

The actors knock it out of the park. Marjorie Johnson astounds us with her performance. Stephen Conrad Moore and Colin Hanlon are masters. Libya V. Pugh is just plain fun as Averie. Colman Domingo tackles the subject with intelligence, heart and humor. A CAPTIVATING PRODUCTION!” – Zachary Stewart, TheaterMania

SPECIAL POST-SHOW DISCUSSIONS Follow the performance dates/times below:

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7 pm

Lisa B. Thompson, Ph.D., Professor, University of Texas at Austin and author of Beyond The Black Lady: Sexuality And The New African American Middle Class, will discuss the intersection of aging, sexuality and race with the cast. (Listen to the audio of this talkback below.)

Saturday, Feb. 27, 3 pm and 8 pm

P.K. Beville, a clinician working in dementia care for over 30 years and the creator of the Virtual Dementia Tour, will give insight into dementia and strategies for caregivers.

Tuesday, March 1 at 7 pm

Sarita Gupta, co-director of Caring Across Generations, and moderator Jamia Wilson, Executive Director of Women, Action, & the Media,will lead a discussion about the necessary cultural and policy changes and the growing social movement to ensure that all Americans can live and age with dignity. (Listen to the audio of this talkback below.)

Sunday, March 6 at 3 pm

Tia Powell, MD, an expert on bioethics, will lead a discussion on dementia and public policy. Dr. Powell is the director of the Montefiore Einstein Center for Bioethics and Einstein Cardozo Master of Science in Bioethics, as well as Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, Clinical Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Sunday, March 13, 3 pm

Evan Bass and Miranda Wilson are co-researchers and developers of Scripted-IMPROV, which utilizes a mix of drama and improv techniques to better connect with individuals who have Alzheimer’s. This discussion will highlight simple methods to reduce the four A’s of the disease: Anxiety, Agitation, Aggression and Apathy to help create more meaningful interactions with individuals living with Alzheimer’s.

Tuesday, March 15 at 7 pm

Representatives from Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, New York City, Inc. will be present to discuss support and resources for individuals and families affected by an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Tuesday, March 22 at 7 pm

Director Susan Stroman will be joined by Tony Award-winning actor and advocate David Hyde Pierce (Vineyard’s THE LANDING, director of Broadway’s IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU) for a discussion of themes raised by the play. Pierce has worked with The Alzheimer’s Association for nearly twenty years as a board member and national spokesperson. He has testified before Congress and served on the federal Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care, and Services, providing guidance to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. In 2010, he was awarded the Tony Awards’ Isabelle Stevenson Award for his work in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.