By Denny Patterson

Marking a milestone for Island City Stage, the beloved South Florida theater company will present its first-ever production penned by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Edward Albee, A Delicate Balance, January 16 – February 9, 2025. 

Directed by Michael Leeds, A Delicate Balance explores the lives of a wealthy, middle aged couple whose complacency is shattered when unexpected visitors disrupt their household. OutClique had the opportunity to chat more about the show with one of its leading stars, multi-Carbonell-award-winning actress Patti Gardner.

Denny Patterson: Hi, Patti! Thank you for taking some time to chat with me. How excited are you to perform in Island City Stage’s production of A Delicate Balance?

Patti Gardner: I am both excited and terrified to tackle this very dense text!

Denny Patterson: Is this your first time with Island City Stage?

Patti Gardner: No. My last production at Island City Stage was The Goldberg Variations, written by Stuart Meltzer and directed by Andy Rogow. 

Denny Patterson: Then what are you looking forward to the most about being involved with A Delicate Balance, and what makes Island City Stage meaningful to you?

Patti Gardner: I am looking forward to working with Michael Leeds, whom I’ve worked with before as a director, teacher, and coach. I’m also looking forward to working with some of my favorite friends/colleagues, as well as new actors and production team members. In regard to what makes Island City Stage so meaningful to me, I consider both Andy and Michael my friends, and I have watched Island City Stage grow in many different ways. I love that they think outside the box, as well as tackling a classic piece. This is certainly not an easy one.

Denny Patterson: Without giving anything away, what exactly can we expect from A Delicate Balance?

Patti Gardner: Intriguing dialogue, nuanced performances, and having to think about the play long after you’ve seen it.

Denny Patterson: And is there anything you ultimately hope audiences take away from the show?

Patti Gardner: There are so many issues these characters are dealing with, and I’m hopeful that audience members will either relate to them in themselves or in their own family members.

Denny Patterson: You play Agnes, the matriarch of the family. What do you want to bring to this character?

Patti Gardner: I’m hoping to bring some understanding to this enormously complicated woman, and never lose the opportunity to infuse humor.

Denny Patterson: This production marks a milestone for Island City Stage as it presents its first-ever show penned by Edward Albee. What are you personally hoping to gain from this experience?

Patti Gardner: I have never done an Edward Albee production before. This is a first, and I know it will be unlike anything else I have tackled. The language, the secrets, the biting wit, and the underlying fury is so rich. I know I will learn something.

Denny Patterson: What’s next for you after A Delicate Balance?

Patti Gardner: I will be performing in a two-hander play, Summer, 1976, at GableStage.