Different Words for Happiness

Different Words for Happiness is a world-premiere drama by Everyman Theatre Resident Company Member Katie Kleiger, directed by Laura Kepley. The intimate, humorous play follows Ava after a late-night call from an ex-lover compels her to face unresolved parts of her past. She meets Eleanor, an accomplished older woman wrestling with unfulfilled ambitions and a subdued midlife crisis. As their lives become connected, the two women confront blame, forgiveness, resilience, agency, and the difficult choices that shape happiness.

The production explores whether people can reclaim their lives by facing what has happened to them and recognizing their ability to decide who and what belongs in their future.

When: October 18 through November 15.

Venue: Everyman Theatre.

Written by: Katie Kleiger, an Everyman Theatre Resident Company Member.

Directed by: Laura Kepley.

Run time: 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets: Price not available.

Showtimes: Wednesday, October 21, at 7:00 PM; Thursday, October 22, at 7:00 PM; Saturday, October 24, at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; Sunday, October 25, at 2:00 PM; Wednesday, October 28, at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Thursday, October 29, at 7:00 PM; Friday, October 30, at 7:30 PM; Saturday, October 31, at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; Sunday, November 1, at 2:00 PM; Wednesday, November 4, at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Thursday, November 5, at 7:00 PM; Friday, November 6, at 7:30 PM; Saturday, November 7, at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; Sunday, November 8, at 2:00 PM; Wednesday, November 11, at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Thursday, November 12, at 7:00 PM; Friday, November 13, at 7:30 PM; Saturday, November 14, at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; and Sunday, November 15, at 2:00 PM.

Special performances: The October 21 and 22 performances are previews. The November 1 performance is Student Spotlight and Medical Professional Day. November 5 is Ladies’ Night and includes a cast conversation. The November 7 performance at 2:00 PM includes audio description. November 13 is Local Artists Night.

Content advisory: The production includes profanity, references to infidelity, cancer, and miscarriage; discussions of reproductive systems; simulated breast and gynecological examinations; and physical violence.

Cast: Megan Anderson as Eleanor, Maboud Ebrahimzadeh as Nathan, and Em Whitworth as Ava.

Creative team: Scenic design is by Daniel Ettinger; costume design is by Kathleen Geldard; lighting design is by Juan Juarez; sound design is by Sartje Pickett; wig design is by Denise O’Brien; fights are by Lewis Shaw; intimacy direction is by Sierra Young; dramaturgy is by Robyn Quick; and stage management is by Jalon Payton.