Dancing the Box Step

Walter and Raymond are father and son. But the connection stops there, for they are quite different men. A recent widower and retired train conductor, Walter is a decorated WWII veteran known far and wide for his strength and tenacity. Raymond is a divorced businessman who fills his life with "power" blue suits and middle-management responsibilities. Over the years their relationship has deteriorated into a few postcards from the cities where Raymond conducts business and awkward weekly telephone calls. In the past several months, however, Raymond has heard something in his father's voice: the sound of fear. In an effort to bridge the gap between them, Raymond has agreed to take Walter on an extended train trip if Walter will leave his sparse apartment and move into a retirement home near Raymond. Tonight, Raymond has come knocking on his father's door to begin the journey, but they have some painful unfinished business to deal with before they can get on with the process of living. As tensions escalate, Alice Terryton enters, with suitcase in hand. A charming, feisty woman in her later years, Alice has befriended Walter who, unknown to Raymond, has invited Alice along for the trip. Funny and endearing, but far from foolish. Alice is the outsider whose unique perspective on how much Walter and Raymond need each other helps the men step closer together. Dancing the Box Step was featured at the Denver Center Theatre's U.S. West Theatre Fest and premiered at South Jersey Regional Theatre.