Two JP women will be working on the upcoming stage play, “Nixon’s Nixon”, at the New Repertory Theatre in Watertown as it kicks off its 35th season.
A play by Russell Lees, “Nixon’s Nixon” is a fictional account of what former President Richard Nixon discussed with his Secretary of State Henry Kissinger on the eve of his resignation. Because it was never revealed what was actually discussed at that White House meeting in August of 1974, Lees’ play is a hypothetical narrative, exploring themes of power, privilege and leadership.
Heather Radovich of JP is making her debut at the New Repertory Theatre in her role as Production Stage Manager. Originally from Northern California, Radovich has worked with Actors’ Shakespeare Project, Wheelock Family Theatre, and Shakespeare Now! With a BA in Theatre Arts and an MFA in Stage Management, she was the Stage Manager at Priscilla Beach Theatre during its 2018 season.
Radovich is new to Massachusetts, and chose JP as her first-ever landing pad in New England. “I immediately got a vibe from my neighborhood that reminded me of being home in California,” she said. “Not only do I feel supported as an artist because of all of the murals, music and art, but my neighbors say hello without knowing my name. I feel a sense of relaxation and community.”
Radovich is excited to be working on Nixon’s Nixon because “every day in rehearsal feels like a history lesson.”
“I wasn’t alive when Nixon was president, but I can see how this play will cause people to remember where they were when Nixon resigned,” she said. “It seems like a show about politics on the surface, but it is about two powerful men (Nixon and Kissinger) trying to come to terms with what power has done to themselves and the world around them.”
Also from JP, Elizabeth Cahill is the Sound Designer for “Nixon’s Nixon” in her first ever project with the New Repertory Theatre. Originally from Northborough, her impressive experience includes Lyric Stage, SpeakEasy Stage, Actors’ Shakespeare Project, Baldwin Wallace University, A.R.T Institute, Bridge Rep, Fresh Ink Theatre, The Nora, Greater Boston Stage Company and BrownBox Theatre Project. With a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology from Emerson, this will be her first collaboration with New Repertory Theatre.
Cahill is a brand new resident of JP, having only moved here on the first of the month. But already she has been able to explore the arboretum and stake out a corner in different coffee shops to do her research.
Cahill said that what she enjoys most about working on “Nixon’s Nixon” is that the political play “sheds light on our current political climate.”
“Nixon’s Nixon” stars Joel Colodner and Jeremiah Kissel and is directed by Elaine Vaan Hogue. The production runs from Sept. 14 to Oct. 6 and tickets can be purchased at newrep.org or at 923-8487.