University Theatre to Present Critically-Acclaimed Comedy

University Theatre at Angelo State University will present “Leaving Iowa,” a critically-acclaimed comedy toasting the idealism and character of the “greatest generation” and roasting its dedication to the family road trip, beginning Thursday, July 31, in the ASU Modular Theatre.

Show times for the dinner theatre production will be at 8 p.m. July 31-Aug. 2 and Aug. 7-9, with dinner served at 6:45 p.m. A matinee performance is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, with lunch served at 12:45 p.m.

Tickets are $12.50 for ASU students and ASU activity card holders, $15 for non-ASU students and Arts at ASU subscribers, and $20 general admission. The Modular Theatre is located in the Carr Education-Fine Arts Building, 2602 Dena Drive.

The second of two Arts at ASU summer dinner theatre productions, the family-friendly “Leaving Iowa” is the story of Don Browning, a middle-aged writer, who decides to finally take his father’s ashes to his childhood home, as requested. But when Don discovers Grandma’s house is now a grocery store, he begins traveling across Iowa searching for a proper resting place for his father. This father-and-son road trip shifts smoothly from the present to Don’s memories of the annual, torturous vacations of his childhood.

Written by Chicago-based writing partners Tim Clue and Spike Manton, the comedy premiered in 2004 and was nominated by The Detroit Free Press as the best new play in the country.

The ASU production of “Leaving Iowa” is being directed by Mike Burnett, assistant professor of theatre and assistant director of University Theatre. The student cast comprises Tyler Hastings as Don, Collyn Glaspie as Dad, Chloé Casey as Mom, Heather Walker as Sis, and Josiah Hernandez, Caden Glass and Kala Young as multiple characters.

The production crew includes Jacob Scott, stage manager; Amanda Sanders, assistant stage manager; Ella Burnett, projection design; Magdalena Hogan, lighting design; Conner Burnett, master electrician; Eldra Sanford, costume design; Tessa Handlin, wardrobe supervisor; Ryder Cornelison, sound design/sound operator; Laurie Proveaux, electrician/light operator; Jordon Shocklee, props master; Joey Hancock and Jose Villedas, house managers; and Katie Hejl, maître d’.

Tickets go on sale in the ASU box office on Monday, July 21, for subscribers and Wednesday, July 23, for all others. The ASU box office is open 2-6 p.m. weekdays. For reservations and/or ticket information, call 325-942-2000.

Subscriptions for the 2014-15 Arts at ASU season are still available for $30. Subscribers gain free admission to plays and concerts, and pay just $15 for dinner theatres. For more information on “Leaving Iowa” and/or season subscriptions, call 325-942-2146 or go online to www.angelo.edu/dept/arts/theatre/theatre_schedule.php.