"LEAVING IOWA" PLAYWRIGHT VISITS LEWIS UNIVERSITY

Lewis University's Philip Lynch Theatre (PLT) presented the family road-trip comedy "Leaving Iowa" on Oct. 2­4 and Oct. 8­11. Written by Tim Clue and Spike Manton, the play sprang from the realization that they shared a formative experience: the family road-trip vacation. It's a form of torture common to most north American kids ­ interminable journeys in the family station wagon, SUV, or minivan to places that mom, and especially dad, thought were more interesting than did their kids.

Playwright Tim Clue attended the performance on Thursday evening, October 9, and participated in the post-show talkback. Clue graciously answered questions from audience members, and cast and crew about the creative process of playwriting, and his experiences with the successful comedy, "Leaving Iowa" which currently has been written into a screenplay. Clue explained that his creative process works exceptionally well with his partner Spike Manton. They meet while attending Bradley University, and have known each other for over 20 years.

The PLT production was the first university production Clue has attended of the touching, charming play that celebrates love of family and the open highway. He was open and frank responding with humor to questions from students and patrons alike. He was complimentary about the production values in the acting, lighting, sound, costumes, and scenic design. He said, "the cast and crew drew the audience into the world of play with comedy and pathos".

Ernest W. Ray ‘93 is directing the University of St. Francis’ production of The Importance of Being Ernest. Assisting him on the production staff are Amanda-Claire Lowe ‘09, costume design, and Andrew Nelsen ‘04 set design. Performances are Oct. 15, 16 and 17 at the Moser Performing Arts Center. Ray has also been cast to perform the title role in the upcoming PLT production of The Life of Galileo. (Ernie with Keith White “77 in the ’02 HTC production of True West.)

Jillian Kelm ‘07 recorded an audio book while living in LA, entitled “Flowers for Beth.” It has been published and is available on amazon.com., or check out the website www.flowersforbeth.com and there is a little teaser video with the theme song which she recorded.Jill is also busy this fall producing with Zombie Army Productions the Fear at Navy Pier and Statesville Haunted Prison located at Joliet’s Siegel Farm. (Jillian is pictured here in the ’08 production of High School Musical.)

Allyson Voller-Wollner ‘95 proudly welcomed into her family the birth of her second daughter. Kiley Majorie Michaila, was born on June 11, 2009, and she joins her big sister Caitlin as budding drama stars. Allyson continues to work in the acting world, and you can hear her voice on multiple radio commercials for “Cincinnati Bell.” Other radio commercials include: “Fertility Centers of Illinois”, “ Bio-Life Plasma”, “Kessler Credit Union” and “May Homes” Online, you can hear her on chemotherapy.com’s website.

Kelly Carevic ‘07 just completed being lead production assistant for a webseries called “The Green Hornet.” She is currently working on the Disney MAGIC for Disney Cruise Lines as a youth activity counselor, and is responsible for engaging individuals from ages 3-17 using Disney themes, characters, and theatrical performances. (Kelly is pictured here (left) in the PLT ’06 production of Over the Tavern.)

Jason Aguirre ‘08 has moved to New York and received an internship with the Public Theater. Founded by Joseph Papp, it is one of nation’s preeminent cultural institutions in an American theater. The Public Theater has won 42 Tony Awards, 149 Obies, 40 Drama Desk Awards, 24 Lucille Lortel Awards, and 4 Pulitzer Prizes. In 2005, the Public Theater received a special Drama Desk Award in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The internship program aims to bridge the gap between academic education and practice. Jason will be working in the marketing department supporting the Public in its daily activities. He will also continue to audition and take classes in acting and dance. (Jason is pictured here in the PLT ’07 production of The Women of Lockerbie.)

Janelle Coats ‘05 can be seen in Highland Park Players upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz at the Northbrook Theatre. She also just completed an intense acting course with Nick Bowling at Act One Studios in Chicago. Act One, the Midwest’s largest professional acting school, is a training center in Chicago offering practical, challenging acting classes in a supportive environment. Janelle is pictured here (center) in the PLT ’04 production of Fuddy Meers.

Fourth year theatre major, Tyler Harpster respresented the theatre department at the recent Lewis University Signum Fidei celebration. In October, he will be part of the ensemble cast in Triton College’s production of Bleacher Bums. The play is set in the bleachers at Chicago’s Wrigley Field as die hard Cub fans root for their team. The production is being directed by Greg Kolack. Patrons will remember Kolack as the guest director of the PLT productions of The Diary of Anne Frank and last season’s comedy about a dog, Sylvia. Tyler is pictured here in Sylvia.

Third year theatre major, Kevin Kaucher appeared in Independent Stars Playhouse production of Mitch Albom’s autobiographical tale, Tuesdays with Morrie at Elmwood Park Recreation Center. The play focuses on the relationship between a teacher and his student. Kevin plays Morrie, a former college professor suffering with Lou Gehrig’s disease. He has described his character as a “wise person, who has his own opinions about himself and life.”

The newly formed “Actors Academy” offers theatre classes for junior drama stars ages 6–12 years old, and is produced in partnership with Heritage Theatre Company (HTC) and Philip Lynch Theatre. A summer theatre camp was held in July, and 17 budding theatre stars performed America’s Tallest Tales: The Musical complete with costumes, lights and props on the beautifully intimate PLT stage.

Lewis’ Actors Academy is an educational experience including dance, music, and acting. Lewis University alumna, Barbara Eberhard, who taught for 4 years at the Rialto School of the Arts, teaches the Actors Academy classes. A local educator for over 30 years, Eberhard is the Academy’s director. She was recently named a recipient of the 2009 Joliet Area Great Teacher Award for commitment to the highest standard of teaching excellence.

Register now for Actors Academy’s winter classes to be held on Saturday mornings beginning January 16 through March 13, 2010. On the last day of winter classes, the drama stars will perform the classic musical tale, The Emperor’s New Clothes.

Registration forms are available by calling the PLT box office (815) 836-5500 or online on the PLT website www.lewisu.edu/plt under the Actors Academy link. All classes will be held at the Philip Lynch Theatre located on the main campus of Lewis University on Route 53 in Romeoville.