Ruta, Waterston, and Widdoes to Star in A.C.T.’s The Circle

Ken Ruta, James Waterston, and Kathleen Widdoes will head A.C.T’s production of W. Somerset Maugham’s comedy, The Circle, to run January 4-February 4. The production, to be directed by Tony Award nominee Mark Lamos, will officially open on January 10.

First produced in 1921, The Circle focuses on the return of Lady Kitty (Widdoes), who returns to her home 30 years after she abandoned her husband and young son Arnold (Waterston) for a scandalous life with her husband’s best friend Lord Porteous (Ruta). While there, a new scandal develops as a charming houseguest threatens to upset Arnold’s marriage.

The show’s cast will also feature Tom Blair, Philip Kerr, Craig W. Marker, Trish Mulholland, and Allison Jean White. The creative team includes John Arnone (sets), Candice Donnelly (costumes), York Kennedy (lights), and Jeff Mockus (sound).

Ruta has been a 40-year veteran of Bay Area stages and starred in A.C.T.’s productions of The Voysey Inheritance and A Christmas Carol. Waterston’s many stage credits include Long Day’s Journey Into Night (with his father Sam Waterston), Another Time, and As You Like It.

Widdoes received a Tony nomination for Much Ado About Nothing; her many New York stage credits include Hamlet, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and After the Ball. She is also known for her long-running role of Emma Snyder on CBS’ As The World Turns for which she has received four Daytime Emmy nominations.