Actor/Director Ed Shea on Edward Albee's Fantastical 'Seascape'

Actor/director Ed Shea discusses his latest project - staging and starring in Edward Albee's Pulitzer-prize winning "Seascape," a drama about a soon-to-retire couple who meet a pair of human-sized, English-speaking lizards on a beach.

Director Ed Shea is helming 2nd Story Theatre's production of "Seascape," Edward Albee's play that won the 1975 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

"It's a small cast, easy to produce, and the themes in it are timeless," Shea told EDGE.

Shea is also starring in the play as Charlie, who is enjoying a day at the beach along with his wife Nancy. The couple are on the verge of retirement but are experiencing problems in their relationship. They are discussing their lives when another couple appears, two human-sized lizards named Leslie and Sarah who speak and act like people.

"Seascape" also features Susie Bowen Powers, Charles Lafond, and Valerie Westgate.

Shea says "Seascape" deals with "psychospiritual evolution" as the characters ponder their fates in life.

Shea grew up in Portsmouth and began performing in plays while in high school.

In 1978, Shea formed 2nd Story Theatre. He has served as the theater's artistic director for several years.

"I really love directing plays from within," Shea said. "Acting is easier than directing. It comes more naturally to me. It's what I've spent more time of my life doing. When I'm acting, I feel completely present. I'm in the moment of my life."

Last year at 2nd Story, Shea appeared as Sigmund Freud in "Hysteria." He also starred in "Educating Rita" and the farce "The Ladies Man."

"I love doing physical comedy," Shea said. "I like playing intellectually aggressive characters. I really love acting in farce and comedy. That's my favorite thing. "It's like walking on water."

Shea is excited about 2nd Story's spring schedule, which includes the comedies "Shirley Valentine" and "Murder at the Howard Johnson's," and the dramas "Art" and "The Best of Everything."

"Lately I've been focusing on plays which leave audiences feeling good," Shea explained.

In addition to making them smile, Shea also aims to make audiences think more deeply about their lives.

Shea believes "Seascape" will do just that.

"When you leave (the theater) you feel like you spent time with people and topics that are worthwhile, that actually elevate an audience and not drag them down," Shea added.

Seascape runs January 13 through February 5. 2nd Story Theatre, 28 Market St., Warren. For tickets, call 401-247-4200 or visit the theatre's website.