Hobart and William Smith Colleges

2 October 2025 Checking in to Chaos at the Gorges Motel

HWS Theatre opens its 2025–26 season with a comic collision of guests, secrets and surprises in the Finger Lakes regional premiere.

The Hobart and William Smith Theatre Department will open its 2025–26 season with The Gorges Motel, a witty and heartfelt collection of short, intersecting plays by Gretchen Cryer, Lynne Halliday, Isaac Himmelman, James Hindman, Arlene Hutton and Craig Pospisil. Directed by Professor of Theatre Chris Woodworth, the production marks the Finger Lakes regional premiere and features an intergenerational cast of 17 HWS students and community artists.

Set in a fictional roadside motel in Watkins Glen, The Gorges Motel follows a rotating cast of guests—wedding-goers, family members, wanderers and secret-keepers—whose lives collide through thin walls and unexpected encounters. The New York Times has described the play as “a tantalizing, comic daisy chain of short plays,” rich with humor, poignancy and surprises.

Woodworth says the show’s inventive format makes it a perfect season opener. “I love the structure of The Gorges Motel because the vignettes intersect in surprising and delightful ways, giving us the feeling that we’re putting together a puzzle,” says Woodworth. “On a practical level, the structure gives us a chance to get lots of people involved in the production. We’ve got 17 student and community actors on stage plus five students that are part of the production team off stage.”

The production also carries a personal connection for Woodworth. “One of the six playwrights who contributed a piece to The Gorges Motel is Arlene Hutton, who has been my playwriting teacher for almost five years,” she notes.

The production features an expansive ensemble of student and community actors. Joanne Saracino stars as Virginia, the tough-yet-warm owner of the motel, who welcomes the quiet and mysterious Robert, played by Andrew Milliman ’26. Robert’s purpose for visiting is later revealed in a tense encounter with Laura, portrayed by R.J. Fangman. Virginia faces her own family turmoil when confronted by her daughter-in-law Willow (played by Jayla Volquez ’28). Much of the motel is occupied by guests in town for a wedding, including the bride Jennifer (Kayla Caringal ’27) and bridesmaid Kayla (Esosa Iyahen ’28), alongside Trevor the best man (Aaron Vicioso ’26), Greg the hapless photographer (Agustin Torres ’29), Wayne the officiant (William Smith ’29) and Debbie the frazzled assistant wedding planner (Charlie Leo ’29). Wedding guests include a colorful mix of relatives such as Lola, the family’s self-proclaimed black sheep played by Mary O. Cook and Angie (Haven Alvarado ’29), as well as feuding cousins Wendy (Ky Apple ’26) and Dani (Willow Lewmos ’27), who arrives with her weary husband Liam (Mason Graham ’28). Nearby, Penelope (Jennifer Mitchell) finds herself unintentionally eavesdropping on the wedding chaos through the motel’s thin walls, only to discover an unexpected confidant in Terry, played by Kevin “KJ” Johnson, who may be able to fix more than just the plumbing.

Cook says audiences can expect a joyful and touching night at the theatre. “This show showcases so many personalities in situations that are poignant, fun, and thought-provoking,” she says. “It’s silly and quirky, AND it’s set in one of the Finger Lakes’ most beautiful spots — Watkins Glen. It’s an easy evening out and a great way to see the Colleges and the community working together.”

For first-year actor Smith, the play represents both passion and possibility. “I've loved theater since I got into my first high school show,” he says. “I believe the show offers something for everyone — it has very sensitive scenes with characters that feel like people you may know, and it all weaves together into a beautiful narrative.”