'Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter': SRJC Theatre Tackles Trauma Of War

SANTA ROSA, CA – The Santa Rosa Junior College Theatre Department presents “Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter,” a play that centers on a mother who is a soldier healing from the trauma of war, from March 9 through March 18 in Randolph Newman Auditorium in Emeritus Hall on Elliott Ave. on the SRJC Santa Rosa campus.

According to the Theatre Department:

"When U.S. Marine Jenny Sutter returns from Iraq, she lays down her rifle but isn't ready to pick up her children again. Buying some time, Jenny takes a one-way trip to a misfit desert community called Slab City, where its quirky residents gently nurture her wounded spirit, and nudge her back to her own humanity.

"With its unique characters and often funny dialogue, 'Jenny Sutter' is a play that will linger long after the lights come up. This event is produced in association with SRJC Women’s History Month."

“Jenny Sutter” was written by Marie Myatt, and this production is directed by Wendy Wisely. The show features two full casts that alternate performances.

Jenna Rechsteiner and Allison Paine share the role of Jenny Sutter. “The characters in this show are a dream for a character actor like myself,” said Rechsteiner, who grew up in Petaluma.

Paine said she found the script incredible, adding that "I am inspired by the character of Jenny Sutter. I feel a responsibility to research and interview veterans in order to show respect for our Marines and approach the role from a place of honest compassion.”

Maureen O’Neill and Jisaela Tenney, who attended Santa Rosa High School, share the role of Lou. “I am intrigued by Lou, her struggle with multiple addictions, and the amount of love she has to give despite all of her struggles,” Tenney said.

“My stepdad was a veteran and he struggled with addiction his whole life," O’Neill said. "He died in his 40s. He never talked about his experiences with me but I heard later he was a sniper. I can’t imagine what it would be like to try to go back to normal life after something like that. As a society, there is so much more we could do to help with that transition.

"My character, Lou, who befriends Jenny after Jenny’s return from Iraq, knows she (Lou) is an addict and has given up everything from cigarettes to fruit roll ups. I have a long history with 12-step programs so I can relate. If I do my job well, the audience can see Lou in themselves and have compassion for themselves. That’s where the healing begins. Lou says she is searching for something big and wonderful to believe in. Aren’t we all searching for that?”

Kaellie Clein-Cunningham, who is an Air Force veteran, and Allyson Bray, who attended El Molino High School in Forestville, share the role of Cheryl. Dylan Kupper and Alex Jimenez share the role of Donald. Kupper said, “My grandfather is a vet of the Vietnam War," Kupper said, "and that fact was rarely talked about before he had lost his memory, so the prospect of ‘welcoming’ him fell away.”

Ryan Sayler and Griffin Tatum, who attended Sonoma Valley High School, share the role of Hugo.

Lighting designer Vincent Mothersbaugh is a disabled veteran, and Georgia Ortiz, the show’s stage manager, attended Santa Rosa High’s ArtQuest program and hopes to become an Equity stage manager.

The show's casts are:

• Jenny Sutter: Allison Paine and Jenna Rechsteiner
• Lou: Jisaela Tenney and Maureen O’Neill
• Buddy: Michael Arbitter and Geoffrey Nixon
• Donald: Alex Jimenez and Dylan Kupper
• Hugo: Griffin Tatum and Ryan Sayler
• Cheryl: Allyson Bray and Kaellie Clein-Cunningham

The show plays March 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, at 8 p.m. and March 10, 11, 17, 18 at 2 p.m. It is recommended for ages 14 and above. More details on show times, tickets, and other SRJC shows this season are available at https://theatrearts.santarosa.edu/. Tickets may also be purchased by calling the box office at (707) 527-4307. Tickets are $12 to $18, and parking is $4.

ALSO SEE:

• $28M Luther Burbank Auditorium Renovation To Begin

• Solar Project Added To SRJC's Petaluma Campus

--Images courtesy of Santa Rosa Junior College