Creative Ambitions Performance Studio of NH (CAPS-NH) will present “Masked” – a two-act drama written by New Hampshire resident GlynnCosker – at Hatbox Theatre. 

Creative Ambitions Performance Studio of NH will present “Masked” – a two-act drama written by New Hampshire resident Glynn Cosker – at Hatbox Theatre.

“Masked” was workshopped last year at the Ovation Theatre Company in Londonderry. Along with actors, Amy Alletzhauser – a mental health expert with the New England Pastoral Institute – participated in the workshop. The play premiered in September. A discussion involving audience members, the cast and crew, Alletzhauser, and Susan Ward – a suicide prevention coordinator with the National Alliance of Mental Illness – followed each performance. Additionally, the play was performed off-Broadway at the Chain Theatre in 2022.

Although there is some comic relief throughout, the play’s themes include: destigmatizing mental health issues; suicide awareness; and social media’s effect on teenagers – a group that has seen suicide rates sky-rocket since smartphones became mainstream.

“In 2021, I was in a very dark place,” states the playwright. “I sought help. I then devoted all of my positive energy into writing the play.”

“Masked” centers around how one family handles the onset of the pandemic, their mental health, and – ultimately – a grave tragedy. “With grace and humor, ‘Masked’ recognizes the significance of exposing – and addressing – the elephant that resides in many rooms,” states Duggan, while Devalliere puts it this way: “It’s easy to put yourself into each character’s shoes and understand what they’re feeling.”

The play, directed by Cosker, will be performedAug. 25 and Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults; $19 for members, seniors, and students; and $16 for senior members. Tickets may be reserved by calling 603-715-2315 or purchased online at hatboxnh.com. Hatbox Theatre is located at the Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord.