The Effect by Lucy Prebble

HappySad Theatre Company presents

The Effect by Lucy Prebble

HappySad Theatre Company is thrilled to be at Center
Stage Theater for their inaugural performance of The Effect by
Lucy Prebble, directed by Robert Rodarte.

January 16-17, 2026

This “clinical romance” follows Connie (Riley Rodarte) and Tristan (Robert
Rodarte) as they enter into an anti-depressant clinical drug trial. The
patients quickly develop feelings for one another, but it is unclear if they
are real, or just an effect of the drugs. This creates complications for Dr.
Lorna James (Gioia Marchese), who is overseeing the trial, and Dr. Toby Sealey
(Joseph Bottoms) who created the drug. Each person is forced to face their own
uncertain truths while the worlds they built crumble around them.

“…very clever—and ultimately more than clever…ingenious…[THE
EFFECT] makes complicated and arcane material utterly accessible…Ms. Prebble is
far too smart to find a firm resolution for the debate at the center of THE
EFFECT. But in the end, she leaves room for what might be called a very loving
uncertainty.” -The New York Times

“…smashing…plays like a thriller…The story keeps unwinding
in fascinating organic directions…What started as a clean and narrowly defined
‘situation’ play by the end leaves you feeling you have experienced a hefty
chunk of human possibility and despair.” – New York Magazine

For additional information, visit the link here: happysadtheatre.org

Performance Dates and Times:
Friday, January 16 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, January 17 at 7:00 pm 

Ticket Prices: 
General Admission: $25 (Plus $2 online convenience fee)
Student Tickets: $15 (Plus $2 online convenience fee)
Please note: There are a limited number of student tickets. Must show ID
at the door.

**All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.**

All seating is general admission unless otherwise noted. For all performances, there is limited late seating once the performance begins. Please plan your arrival time accordingly.

You can use e-tickets, print-at-home tickets, or request that Will Call tickets wait for you at the Box Office. If you have any questions, please email Jim Sirianni at info@centerstagetheater.org.

Thank you to everyone in the community for your continued support. We would not still be here without you!