Cranstonian Ed Rondeau has been involved in 49 productions at The Players, that charming little theatre on Providence’s East Side, this time as director of a do-not-miss play.

Incredibly, the theatre is in its 101st season, making it the oldest little theatre in the country, with over 2,390 performances. Over the course of the 100-plus years, there have some mighty fine performances at Barker Playhouse, but few match the production of the Pulitzer Prize/Tony Award-winning “Rabbit Hole.”

David Lindsay-Abaire’s poignant play explores the lives and feelings of five people who are deeply affected by the death of a child. Don’t let the tragic situation turn you off. This is a play of hope and reconciliation and some of the sharpest, crispest writing to come along in a long time. The characters are so well presented that you will immediately care for them and root for them, in spite of their flaws.

A prize-winning play is no good without accomplished actors to make it work. Rondeau has found two of the best, who both happen to be from Cranston.

Sharon Carpentier and Mark Gentsch are perfect in the roles of Becca and Howie, a couple trying to deal with a deep loss, both approaching their grief from different perspectives. Their performances are moving, realistic and, at times, quite humorous. Both actors have appeared with a number of local theatres. Together, they have gotten inside the heads and hearts of their characters with marvelous performances from beginning to one of the most moving endings I have ever seen.

Credit must also go to the effective lighting of Ruth Fagan and a two-tier set that was created by the entire Barker team.

This play is so well written that its plot should not be revealed. The audience needs to watch it unfold and catch all of the nuances as a husband, wife, sister, mother and one other key character deal with a tragedy that affects them all.

After six months of living with the tragedy, things are still “not nice any more,” as Becca puts it. People need to come to terms with their loss and with each other and find meaning in their lives. How they do this makes for compelling theatre.

The cast, which includes Krista Weller Burns as Becca’s sister, Trisha McManus as their mother and Christopher L. Ferreira as Jason is excellent, taking the play to a most professional level.

You are encouraged to become a member of the Players and receive discounts on future plays. Membership also provides an opportunity to become a part of the productions, whether it is acting, ushering or working behind the scenes.

Call 273-0590, or go online at theplayers1909@aol.com for more information and reservations.