In The House That Jack Built, the setting of Thanksgiving dinner prompts audiences to reflect on family and loved ones, gathering together, and what they’re grateful for in their lives. In a year that also prompted many of these reflections as we stayed apart, we’ve asked some of the cast of the show to share what they’re thankful for and how they stay connected with loved ones during these times. 
 
Aaron Kirby, who plays Eli in The House That Jack Built, shares his responses—with a little help from a furry friend!

What are you most looking forward to when gathering with your loved ones again?
Hugs. All of the hugs please.
 
How did you stay connected with your loved ones this past year? Zoom birthday parties, weddings, etc? Weekly meet-ups socially-distant or virtually? Letters?
A lot more phone calls, facetimes, zooms, virtual game nights... you name it - I happily took what I could get. 
 
What have you been most thankful for this year, either personally or professionally or both?
My wife Emma and I adopted a rabbit named Philbert (or Phil to his friends), and he is by far the best thing to come out of this dark time. 
 
What family/friend traditions are you looking forward to this year?
Being able to share live theatre together again.
 
 
Today and tomorrow are the final two days to stream The House That Jack Built! Tickets available irtlive.com. 

In The House That Jack Built, the setting of Thanksgiving dinner prompts audiences to reflect on family and loved ones, gathering together, and what they’re grateful for in their lives. In a year that also prompted many of these reflections as we stayed apart, we’ve asked some of the cast of the show to share what they’re thankful for and how they stay connected with loved ones during these times. 
 
David Shih, who plays Ridge in The House That Jack Built, shares his responses--including the uniting power of food!
 
What are you most looking forward to when gathering with your loved ones again?
Eating meals together. With lots of food. Lots and lots of food. Especially turkey.
 
What have you been most thankful for this year, either personally or professionally or both?
Getting to work on this production of The House That Jack Built. It feels really special to be part of the first wave of productions to come out of the COVID shutdown.
 
How did you stay connected with your loved ones this past year? Zoom birthday parties, weddings, etc? Weekly meet-ups socially-distant or virtually? Letters?
It was kind of an isolating year for me. But we did have a few Zoom gatherings, including my nephew’s high school graduation and my mother’s 80th birthday.
 
What family/friend traditions are you looking forward to this year?
Eating meals together. With lots of food. Lots and lots of food. Especially turkey.
 
 
See David in James Still's The House That Jack Built now through June 20! Virtual Tickets available at irtlive.com.