As some of you may recall, in October 2017, an unidentified interstellar object passed through our solar system. It was first spotted by a telescope in Hawaii, and its name, ‘Oumuamua’ is Hawaiian for “a messenger from afar arriving first”. Its unusual characteristics, including its elongated shape, lack of tail, and unexpected acceleration, have led to much speculation about its nature: “What is that thing?”
It is the rock that sails by.
This very real event provides the basis for the Suffield Players upcoming show, “A Rock Sails By” by Sean Grennan. Suffield native Lisa Parker directs this compelling production. “The protagonist, Dr. Lynn Cummings, is facing both a personal and a professional tipping point,” says Parker. “And the appearance of Oumuamua sets up the primary theme for the play: What is truly known or knowable, and what is not? Is everything we see real, or is that reality subjective? Will we ever truly know the depths of outer space or the depths of our own minds?” With humor, heart, and a touch of wonder, Grennan’s play asks the timeless question: how do we find meaning in the vastness of existence?
Lisa Parker (front center) directs a stellar cast in the Suffield Players show opening October 10. Featured are actors Joe Lessard, Linda Storms, Jennifer Madison, Krystle Bernier, Lexi Escribano, Alma Huremovic-Kibbe, Jamie Reopell and Julia Adamo, with stage manager Jason Fregeau in the center. This is on the steps of Mapleton Hall.
The Suffield Players are proud to open their 2025–2026 Season, Hope–Hearth–Happiness, with the Connecticut Premiere of Sean Grennan’s poignant and thought-provoking play, A Rock Sails By. Under the direction of Lisa Parker, performances will take place at historic Mapleton Hall (1305 Mapleton Avenue, Suffield, CT) on October 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, and 25, 2025. (*Denotes matinee performances at 2 p.m.; all other shows begin at 8 p.m.) Subtitled performances for accessibility will be offered on October 11, 17, and 19.
Tickets are $22 for general admission, $19 for seniors and students (with ID). Reservations can be made at www.suffieldplayers.org or by calling 860-668-0837. Seating is limited; early reservations are strongly encouraged. This production marks the first show in the Suffield Players’ season, Hope–Hearth–Happiness, which continues with 8 Ways to Survive the Holidays (December 2025), Holidazed (February 2026), and 20th Century Blues (May 2026).
Join us this October as the Suffield Players invite you to laugh, reflect, and look to the stars with the Connecticut Premiere of A Rock Sails By.