Tred Avon Players presents the belly busting comedy “Leaving Iowa” by Tim Clue and Spike Manton, and directed by Edwin Talley Wilford opens April 24 at the Oxford Community Center.
It’s a tribute to parenting, driving skills, and vacations on a shoestring that centers on Don Browning, a middle-aged writer who decides to finally take his father’s ashes to his childhood home, as requested. When Don discovers Grandma’s house is now a grocery store, the hilarity begins. The story shifts back and forth from the present to memories of the annual, torturous vacations of Don’s youth and the colorful locals the family met along the road.
This hilarious comedy about family road trips is performed by a talented cast of TAP favorites and newcomers, including Lynn Sanchez (Mom), Alex Greenlee (Don), Randy Bachand (Dad), and Olivia Litteral (Sis). Don’s family meets many interesting characters along the road. Ashley Chroniger and Susan Patterson portray the 9 multiple unique and funny female characters. Dave Marmelstein and Rob Sanchez portray the 13 male characters.
“Once upon a time, Mom took my sister and myself on a road trip out west. ‘Out West’—from Easton, Maryland.” Wilford shares his vacation memories, ‘We engaged in multiple Wilford family “incidents”—mom driving over the sidewalk because her GPS told her to; the muskrats under our cabin; arguing over who shared a bed with who; driving a two-lane road directly behind a strolling bison; several endless hours of mom-daughter girl talk; and dad’s speeding ticket,… all familiar family scenarios.”
Wilford continues, “That is what drew me to Leaving Iowa; our main character Don, now understands this. He bemoaned to his father all his childhood for the boring, insufferable vacations; and three years after his father’s passing, Don eventually begins to understand what his father was teaching him in those long car-rides—the importance of kindness, family, and legacy.”
Don’t miss this entertaining and uproarious comedy. The Thrifty Thursday Preview is April 24 at 7pm. Tickets are two-for-one and single for $10. Other performances are Fridays & Saturdays, April 25, 26, May 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 8pm. Sundays April 27, May 4 and 11 at 2pm. Tickets are $15 adults, $5 for students. For more information visit www.tredavonplayers.org or call 410-226-0061.
..
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.