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Neutral ground turns out to be dangerous territory, at least emotionally, for the inhabitants of Dolly West's Kitchen. This comic drama by Frank McGuinness plays June 15-July 10 at TheatreWorks, opening the company's 36th season. The show takes place at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View.
During World War II, Ireland was a neutral country. But there are still plenty of personal battles being waged in the West family, living in rural County Donegal. Outwardly, son James backs the Nazis (because they're the enemies of the English), as he also grapples with being a closeted gay man. Daughter Dolly, meanwhile, has fallen for an Englishman. Her sister, Esther, struggles to maintain her marriage to a man she doesn't love. Rima, the matriarch, is on everyone's side, trying to prod her three grown children into helping themselves out of their unhappiness.
Rima's plans get a boost with the arrival of three Allied soldiers whose presence helps the family confront their personal and political turmoil.
McGuinness set Dolly West's Kitchen in the small seaside hamlet of Buncrana, his own hometown. Growing up there, he faced issues similar to some of those in the play.
Tickets are $20-$52. For more information, call 650.903.6000 or www.theatreworks.org.
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