In 2009, a 14-year-old, 200-pound chimpanzee named Travis attacked a woman, the longtime friend of the animal’s owners, in Stamford, Connecticut. The attack was so intense that much of Charla Nash’s face was torn and badly beaten, landing her in critical condition.
The chimp, which could operate a computer and was capable of drinking wine, bathing and dressing himself, was shot and killed after going on to attack a police officer in his car.
This horrific story inspired Orange is the New Black writer Nick Jones to pen Trevor, a play that places the communication barrier between pets and their owners center stage in what the Chicago Sun-Times called a “hugely entertaining tragicomedy.”
Trevor, under the direction of Alex Levy, is coming to 1st Stage on Feb. 2 and will remain there until Feb. 26, making it the third play in 1st Stage’s ninth season. Performances will be held on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Rather than painting the primate as a violent villain, Trevor (portrayed by Helen Hayes Award-winner Doug Wilder) evokes audience members’ empathy. The chimp was once a commercial and television star that appeared alongside Morgan Fairchild during his youth, and as the play progresses, a more mature Trevor struggles to maintain the love, affection and attention he was once so freely given. Trevor’s owner, Sandra (played by Leigh Jameson), continues to advocate on his behalf, suppressing her own concerns and insisting that he is harmless.
The 90-minute show keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, unsure of what to believe, who to trust and constantly awaiting an unpredictable outburst.
General admission tickets cost $30, though seniors (65+) can get their tickets at a discount of $27. Ticket information is available at 703-854-1856.
