Connecticut Heritage Productions (CHP), in association with the Advocate Performing Arts Association (APAA), presents “Acts of Recovery”, directed by Peter Loffredo, Artistic Director. “Acts of Recovery” is an evening of three original one act plays dealing with recovery from mental illness and substance abuse and the effects of these conditions on the extended family. The plays are “Going Away” by John Calderbank and “Suicide Incorporated” and “GarbageHead” by Michael Eck. “Going Away” looks at the impact of mental illness on family members of the diagnosed. It focuses on a brother – sister relationship as one of them struggles through the onset of mental illness. In “Suicide Incorporated,” Johnny Angel, the keynote speaker at the Attempted Suicide Support Group, discusses his unusual services while inadvertently revealing his reaction to suicide and the effect it has on loved ones. “GarbageHead” focuses on the struggles with addiction and dealing with the wreckage of the past. Two days after being released from prison, Trevor tries to stay “clean and sober” with the help of his brother, Travis, while the actions of his mother and ex-girlfriend threaten to push him over the edge.

The acting ensemble is from throughout Connecticut and includes Nat Holmes and Gena Rees from Middletown; John Calderbank, Michael Eck, Cherry Harts from Hartford; Paul Hartung from Madison; Eric Heriot from Wallingford; Suzanne Pangaro from Deep River; Elizabeth Reynolds from Bloomfield; and Dick Winslow from Westbrook.

“Acts of Recovery” was originally performed in May to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. Two additional performances are being added because the four performances at the Green Street Arts Center sold out quickly. The performances are scheduled for Friday, June 22, at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 24, at 7:00 pm at the Green Street Arts Center, 51 Green Street, Middletown, CT 06457. Tickets are $12.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. Reservations are strongly advised, as seating is limited. For more information and for reservations call 347-7771.

“Acts of Recovery” marks the seventh collaboration between CHP and APAA. Previous productions include Asylum featuring “Brainstorms” and “Chamber Music” (2005), The Laramie Project (2003), The Madwoman of Chaillot (2001), The Madness of George III (1999), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1997), and Marat/Sade (1995).

This production is made possible in part by grants from The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Middletown Foundation for the Arts.