Back Alley Productions is presenting Leaving Iowa, a stage comedy about family vacations. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays on July 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and Sundays on July 10, 17 and 24 at 2:30 p.m. Visit www.backalleyproductions.org to purchase tickets. General admission is $15 per person, $12 for seniors age 55 and up and $10 for students with a valid school ID. The Mars Theater is at 117 N. Chattanooga St. in LaFayette.
“This show is for anyone who has ever found themselves driving familiar roads and revisiting happy memories from old summer trips,” said David Craig, director of the show. “The play focuses on Don Browning, a writer who attempts to take his father’s ashes back to his childhood home only to discover the house is gone and a grocery store stands in its place. Without a Plan B for his father’s final resting place, Don begins driving aimlessly through childhood roads, while revisiting memories of the annual, torturous Browning road trips. Don’s memories will come alive on stage to a mix of laughter and reflection on the importance of family. It’ll bring a smile to your face as Don finds the right route, and his own self along the way.”
The production has some mild, PG-level language, but is a great story for all types of families, Mr. Craig adds. The show runs approximately two hours, with a 15 minute intermission.
The play is written by Tim Clue and Spike Manton, New Yorkbased playwrights, both with backgrounds in standup and improv comedy.
“The reason I picked this show to direct is because it reminded me so much of my own family,” he said. “The crazy misadventures, the sibling fights, the strange and kitschy tourist traps. The Browning family encounters so many quirky people on the American road, and have so many misdirections on their perfect route, that took me back to my own family trips. It’s a very fun, relatable story because most of us have had similar experiences firsthand. It’s a quintessential American experience to plan the perfect family trip, but something happens along the way and you end up having an even better trip than you planned, albeit insane at times. Everyone of all ages will enjoy it. It’s really perfect for the summer, too.”
For more information call 706.996-8350 or visit the Back Alley Productions page on Facebook. Back Alley Productions is an award winning theater company on its sixth season. Visit www.backalleyproductions.org for a full list of upcoming shows.