NMU Theatre and Dance Presents 'Clybourne Park'

Northern Michigan University's Theatre and Dance department will present the play "Clybourne Park" Nov. 2-4 and 9-11 in the Panowski Black Box Theatre. All shows are at 7:30 p.m., except for the 1 p.m. Theater for All sensory friendly matinee on Saturday, Nov. 4.

The play in two acts that take place 50 years apart from each other is directed by Paul Truckey, head of NMU's BFA in musical theatre program. It is considered a response to the 1959 play "Raisin in the Sun," with references and similar themes to the production it was based on.

"I wanted to direct the play because it deals with varied arguments on race and belonging in America," said Truckey. "I also felt that it would be a great challenge for our young actors to tackle. We have four freshmen in principal roles in this production, and this is really an ensemble show where all roles carry equal weight in the storytelling."

Premiered in 2012, "Clybourne Park" won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as well as the Tony Award for best new play. Truckey says that the play itself has "provocative subject matter and lots of laughs," and that the playwright has the ability to take the audience to the edge of an uncomfortable situation, and then breaks it with satirical and funny dialogue to release the tension.

The first act takes place in 1957, where neighborhood leaders worry that a black family, the family from "Raisin in the Sun," will lower the surrounding property value if they move in. Fifty years later, in act two, the same actors are playing different characters as the now predominantly-black neighborhood battles to hold its ground against gentrification. While the production is based on "Raisin in the Sun," viewers will not have to see the original play in order to understand the story of "Clybourne Park."

"[NMU Theater and Dance is] appreciative of the support the Marquette community gives our program," Truckey said. "We strive to produce exciting, interesting and thoughtful productions, and to give our students the opportunity to share their gifts with our audiences. Our production of 'Clybourne Park' will further cement our commitment to producing emotionally resonant stories that thrill, educate and inspire."

Tickets are on sale now, $20 for General Public, $15 for NMU Faculty/Staff, Seniors, and Military; $12 for Students and $5 for NMU Students.