Isabel Keating and Jeb Brown Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Imagine a small town in the middle of nowhere, Texas, during a hot July in 1995. Eleanor Bannister (Keating) lives alone in her parents' house and the air conditioning is, at best, suspect. She also has a rental property dubbed "honeymoon cottage." She taught school for 40 years and her neighbor Grace Bodell (Annette Miller) often comes by to chat and offer opinions on just about everything. Eleanor and Grace are longtime friends whose bond is permanent. Abel Brown (Jeb Brown) is referred to as a drifter and he is an appealing man who can fix a roof, tend to plumbing problems, and, as a lively conversationalist, and he makes for good company. Eleanor is drawn to him but she is more than wary and slow to trust. Eleanor is vastly guarded and innately skeptical. Isabel Keating masterfully shapes this woman's character. Eleanor finds Abel charismatic but is careful not to reveal that feeling since she resists the potential of a relationship.

The action takes place in Eleanor's house, mostly in the kitchen area, complete with period refrigerator and solid-looking round, wooden table. Hanging from above, on Marcelo Martinez García's set, is a long line of open cabinets containing useful implements and perhaps some artifacts, too.

The play, based upon Annette Sanford's novel, "Eleanor and Abel," revolves around Eleanor, a spinster who refrains from admitting she might experience romance. She occasionally brightens with Abel, who represents hope. So it goes until intermission and, thus far, quality acting has distinguished a pleasant if not yet enthralling presentation.

The first lively exchange of the second act fuels Fireflies. Eugene Claymire (Gregory Boover), who was once one of Eleanor's students, enters. Eugene is now a cop, his chosen choice for a profession, he explains, since he was a boy. Eleanor explains to Eugene, a young man who now is married and has children, that Abel "disappeared with my money." Eugene tries to engage Eleanor in a conversation so that she can be sensible and rational about her predicament. Eugene's entrance shifts the rhythm and dynamic of the production away from the familiar and predictable. When Abel returns and divulges a great deal about his past, the pacing has a bit of zip. The viewing experience benefits from the bouncier feel of the show.

Isabel Keating gives a pinpoint performance as Eleanor. With Tony, Drama League, Drama Desk Awards, and more to her name, she recently appeared on Broadway in The Queen of Versailles. Jeb Brown has scored mightily with roles on and Off-Broadway, through film and TV, too. He first appeared on Broadway at the age of 10 in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Annette Miller, a prominent actor at Shakespeare & Company for 25 years, also appeared on and Off-Broadway. Gregory Boover is a versatile performer who has often been featured at Shakespeare & Company as well as many regional theatre companies. He also produces independent film, music, and artwork. Daniel Varon has directed many productions at Shakespeare & Company and elsewhere. One senses a close, necessary rapport with the Fireflies cast members.

Fireflies could seem simplistic during opening moments, but please stay with it. The play advises that no one, at whatever age, truly gives up on love's promise. Eleanor Bannister attempts to shut off what might be possible, but ultimately reevaluates enough to consider moments which might someday, in some way, be precious. Not all has been absolutely lost.

Fireflies runs through July 19, 2026, at Shakespeare & Company, Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, 70 Kemble St., Lenox MA. For tickets and information, please call 413-637-3353 or visit Shakespeare.org.