Matthews, NC – Matthews Playhouse is thrilled to announce the opening of its 29th season with the world premiere of One Year to Die, a compelling new World War II drama exploring life on the home front, written by Charles LaBorde and directed by Dennis Delamar. This highly anticipated production will run from September 20-29, 2024, with a special “Pay What You Can Preview” on Thursday, September 19th at 7:30 pm, benefiting the Matthews Veterans Memorial Restoration Project.
One Year to Die follows the poignant story of two American women, one black and one white, as they await official word regarding their sons’ fates during World War II. Set in the small town of Hessmer, Louisiana, the play explores the harrowing experiences of Edwina, a White Cajun housewife played by Paula Baldwin, and Ella, an African-American widow played by Dr. Corlis Hayes. Through their shared grief and experience, they bond while sewing a quilt. Both women share the burden of crossing racial lines in the South in 1943-1944, reflecting the experiences of countless women who sustained the nation during this tumultuous period.
For Dr. Charles LaBorde, a renowned actor, director, designer, playwright, and arts educator, One Year to Die is deeply personal, based on true events and real people, and honors his grandmother, Edwina LaBorde. “The play honors the indomitable spirit of my grandmother and the millions of women who held the nation together on the home front during the war,” says LaBorde. "It serves as a testament to their resilience and unwavering strength in the face of adversity."
The story is based on the true experiences of the playwright’s uncle, Joe LaBorde, who was involved in the Salerno amphibious landing, marking the start of efforts to liberate Italy from Nazi Germany. His ship, the USS Rowan, was sunk returning from Salerno to Oran on September 11, 1943, and now rests in the Tyrrhenian Sea, about 25 miles south of the Isle of Capri. During his research, LaBorde discovered a puzzling fact: though his uncle was killed and listed as missing in action on September 11, 1943, his Navy death certificate is dated September 12, 1944. This discrepancy led him to ponder how his grandmother, Edwina LaBorde, spent that year in limbo—knowing her son was likely dead but holding a glimmer of hope since his body was never recovered.
With a Ph.D. in theatre from The Ohio State University and numerous regional and national awards for directing and playwriting, Charles LaBorde is already well-regarded for his significant contributions to the theatre community. His plays, including the award-winning Protective Custody Prisoner 34042 and Unbound, have been performed nationwide and in Europe.
Veteran actor and director Dennis Delamar joins LaBorde in bringing this compelling new work to the stage. Delamar's recent roles and directorial efforts, including last year’s workshop reading of One Year to Die at the VAPA Center, showcase his dedication to meaningful storytelling. "Working alongside Dr. LaBorde to bring One Year to Die to the stage has been an incredibly fulfilling experience," says Dennis Delamar. "We are looking forward to bringing the play's powerful narrative to local audiences this fall and exploring its profound impact through this full production."
One Year to Die will showcase the talents of Dr. Corlis Hayes and Paula Baldwin, both celebrated actors and directors renowned for their exceptional contributions to the arts. They will be joined by a talented ensemble of local actors, including Henk Bouhuys as Oscar LaBorde (the playwright’s grandfather), Vic Sayegh, Robin Canchola, Barbara Mager, Steve Price, Keith Logan, and Brian DeDora. The youngest cast members are Bennett Thurgood as Young Joe and Aaron Brown as Young Lonnie. The production will also feature the voiceover talents of Dionte Darko, Thom Tonetti, Andrew Roberts, and Graham Williams.
Ticket Information: Prices range from $11 to $20, with discounts for seniors, military personnel, students, and children. Active-duty service members, veterans, and their families will receive a 25% discount on their ticket order when they use code MILITARY25 at checkout. This production contains mature language and subject matter and is recommended for ages 16 and up.
Performance Schedule:
“Pay What You Can Preview” Thursday, September 19th @ 7:30 p.m. - suggested donation is $10 per person, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Matthews Veterans Memorial Restoration Project. Admission is general seating and donations are collected at the door via cash or credit.
Ticketed Performances: Friday, September 20th through Sunday, September 29th
About Matthews Playhouse
The Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts is a non-profit theatre company based in Matthews, North Carolina. Our mission is to make the performing arts more accessible to local children, teens, and adults of all experience levels and backgrounds. For nearly 30 years, we have strived to achieve this mission through robust educational programming and thought-provoking productions designed to entertain and inspire local audiences. Our Mainstage season, School of Theatre classes and productions and seasonal camps are a reflection of what can be accomplished through a hands-on, collaborative theatrical process.
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