The Fragilities of Family Are the Focus in ‘Big Sky’

Dyan James

“Maybe marriage was a better idea when life expectancy was lower,” says Jack in “Big Sky,” an emotional story about marriage and family that’s both funny and touching. “Big Sky” comes to life on the Geffen Playhouse stage starting June 7 and runs through July 17.

Pulitzer Prize playwright finalist Alexandra Gersten-Vassilaros penned this story, which centers on Jack as he engages in a mad dash to land a crucial, life-changing deal while on a high-dollar vacation in Aspen, CO. Meanwhile, Jack’s family can’t hide certain truths from one another no matter how hard they try. The family’s plight illustrates just how delicate life and family really are.

Directed by Tony Award-winner and Geffen Playhouse alum John Rando, “Big Sky” is generating a lot of excitement thanks not only to its writer and director but also its experienced cast.

Jennifer Westfeldt, who plays Jen, is well-known for her movie “Kissing Jessica Stein” as well as her roles in “Ira & Abby” and “Friends With Kids” (which she also directed). On Broadway, Westfeldt starred in “Wonderful Town,” which earned her a Tony nod, a Theatre World Award and a Drama League Award. In her personal life, Westfeldt played the real-life role of Jon Hamm’s girlfriend for 18 years, a union that ended in 2015.

Arnie Burton stars as Jonathan and has Broadway credits that include “The 39 Steps,” “Peter and the Starcatcher” and “Amadeus.” He worked Off-Broadway with Rando in “Lives of the Saints” and “Mere Mortals.” No stranger to the Geffen Playhouse, Burton starred in Geffen’s L.A. premiere of “All in the Timing.”

The role of Tessa is played by Emily Robinson. She made her Off-Broadway debut in “The Orphans’ Home Cycle.” Starring in “Big Sky” marks her first L.A. theater appearance. Robinson’s upcoming projects include the films “Behold My Heart,” “Going Under” and “Broken Vows.”

Jon Tenney is no stranger to the Geffen, marking “Big Sky” as his third production at the theater in the role of Jack. Juilliard-trained Tenney’s prior Geffen credits are “Good People” and “Speed-the-Plow.” The veteran actor is notably known for his role in TNT’s “The Closer” where he starred opposite Kyra Sedgwick.

Catch “Big Sky” at the Geffen Playhouse June 7 through July 17. Get tickets here.