A wayward son moves home to care for his mother and discovers a chaos he never knew he needed.
Sorry for Laughing is a new solo play by Evan Zes about caring for his mother during COVID. When she is discharged from the hospital with a serious heart condition, Evan transforms his childhood home into a makeshift recovery ward, determined to keep her safe and out of an overwhelmed healthcare system.
As the lines between son and caretaker blur, he finds himself navigating his 95-year-old father, mercurial family dynamics, and a household that no longer runs by any predictable logic. Simple routines become high-stakes negotiations, and control proves increasingly elusive.
Blending sharp humor with raw vulnerability, Sorry for Laughing explores the limits of caregiving, the complexity of family, and the strange, often funny ways we endure crisis. A dark comedy that is at once poignant, chaotic, and ultimately uplifting.
“I’m honored to share the first public reading of my new solo play Sorry for Laughing at the Westport Country Playhouse, a place I consider my artistic home.“
– Evan Zes
Part of the Barnstormer series, held in the Lucille Lortel White Barn Center. General admission; Seating unreserved.
NOTE: Barnstormer events are limited to 70 attendees.
“We’re proud to welcome Evan Zes back to the Playhouse for the first public presentation of Sorry for Laughing. Evan is a beloved audience favorite and a formidable talent whose work has been seen on Broadway and stages across the country. In this new solo play, he brings his signature blend of humor and honesty to a deeply personal story about caregiving, family, and resilience. We’re honored he’s chosen the Playhouse as the launch pad for a work that is as hilarious as it is moving, and one that will resonate deeply with anyone who has faced the challenges of caring for those they love.”
– Artistic Director, Mark Shanahan
THANK YOU
2026 Programming & Season Sponsorship is generously provided by Barbara Streicker.
Media Sponsorship for the 2026 season is generously provided by Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio.
ABOUT THE BARNSTORMER SERIES
Barnstormer is a series of small events, in the Lucille Lortel White Barn, located adjacent to the Playhouse. From cabarets to playreadings, Barnstormer provides an opportunity for artists, many of whom are from our local community, to exercise their creative muscle in a cozy and intimate setting.
Learn about more about Barnstormer events HERE!
Become a Member of The Encore Club
A membership program, filled with perks and exclusive access! Learn more and enroll HERE!
English 
Spanish