THE COUNTRY SQUIRE is a beautifully wrought tale of family history (two families, actually), entitlement, exclusion, and acceptance. The line between characters who have lived a life of privilege and those who have lived a life of service is often subtle but still apparent, making for a satisfying conclusion. I often feel as though I’m taking a master class when I read a Philip Middleton Williams play. Add this one to the curriculum.

In a play that both echoes and honors Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, Williams brings us into a very important weekend at the Simmons' summer home. He does a masterful job at keeping things moving while always taking his time. There are many relatable moments, as the family dynamic plays out. Sparkling dialogue, lots of rich details, and a couple of significant plot tilts will make this a surefire winner as a full production.

This play is a warm summer breeze. If you are a fan of Chekhov, this piece will feel familiar to you even with its modern-day American setting. That’s high praise. Williams provides an interesting situation, populates it with rich characters and sprinkles in crackling dialogue creating a memorable theatrical experience. I took special delight in the nice twist at the end with the “townies” acting as deus ex machina. I was left feeling amused and nostalgic. So well done.