Jen Silverman’s Contemporary Classic “The Roommate” Performing at the Lesher Center for the Arts

  Who says being single, middle-aged, and an empty nester has to be a bummer? Yes, “The Roommate”, written by Jen Silverman and directed by Vanessa Stalling, takes on what it means to be middle-aged, middle class, in the middle of America, and how to change it all by throwing caution to the wind. Currently performing at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, CA. through April 20, “The Roommate” is what could be called a ‘sophisticated sitcom’.

     Now in her mid-50’s—and recently ‘liberated’ from her child and husband—Sharon (Patty Gallagher) needs a roommate to share her Iowa home. Robyn (Luisa Sermol), also in her mid-50s, seeks a refuge and a chance to reboot. When the two become roomies and their odd couple of a friendship deepens, truths emerge, along with hidden talents and secret desires.

     Part mystery, part comedy and altogether original, this spirited, thought-provoking two-hander is an examination of a character whose whole point is that she’d gone through her whole life not examining herself.

     The creative team for “The Roommate” includes Becky Bodurtha (Costume Designer), Nina Ball (Scenic Design), Spense Matubang (Lighting Design), James Ard (Sound Design), Alyssa Tryon (Properties Designer), Kathleen Parsons (Stage Manager), and Joe Coe (Assistant Stage Manager),

     Center REP includes a host of interactive audience events for each production, including Cast Chats (April 9 and April 13), and Pride Mixer (April 16).

     For tickets or more information please visit centerrep.org.

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Photo caption: Patty Gallagher as Sharon and Luisa Sermol as Robyn in Jen Silverman’s contemporary classic, THE ROOMMATE, performing at the Lesher Center for the Arts now through Sunday, April 20, 2025.
(Photo credit: Kevin Berne)