ARE YOU READY TO BUY YOUR "DREAM HOU$E"?

Sisters Patricia and Julia Castillo have grown up in a section of Los Angeles that has achieved a level of gentrification now when they view it as adults. Their personal history has not always been simple and savory and all those differences are ready to explode as they decide to sell that childhood home, their legacy, now that their mother has died. They each have glorified ideals as to how the massive amounts of money from the sale will enhance and change their lives. To manifest those dreams, Patricia has convinced Julia to sign a contract with a television reality show “Flip It and List It,” with dynamic host Tessa Westbrook. The millions Tessa promises depend on her crew of workers demolishing and renovating their childhood home, stripping it of its personal charms and streamlining it for today’s demanding buyers. Scenic designer Stephanie Osin Cohen has created a lovely welcoming set at the play’s outset. To enter into this often surreal and exceedingly personal emotional drama, head to Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven by Sunday, April 3 for Eliana Pipes’ intriguing “Dream Hou$e.” This new play is a collaboration between a trio of theaters in Atlanta, New Haven and Baltimore. Come meet Renata Eastlick’s Patricia and Darilyn Castillo’s Julia as they try to reconcile their problems. Patricia struggles to forgive her sister for “escaping” their home and leaving her to care for their mom during her lingering illness. Julia is six months pregnant and dealing with issues with her partner that are clearly not resolving well. She wants any house proceeds to benefit her child. Laurie Woolery directs this compelling conflict of differing desires. Into this emotional cauldron strides Marianna McClellan’s Tessa with her own agenda, complicating the situation with games and challenges, sledgehammers and dollar signs, working diligently to make compelling television no matter the toll on the victims, or rather participants. Blood literally flows in the process. For tickets ($59, students $10), call Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Drive, New Haven at 203-693-1486 or online at www.longwharf.org/shows-events/dreamhouse. Performances are Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. You need your vaccination card or a recent negative COVID test and a mask. Come watch how family and cultural history wage a battle with goals and dreams and discover if love and forgiveness can conquer personal desires.