Highland Community College’s Theatre Arts program presents “Leaving Iowa.” Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, March 7- 9 in the Ferguson Fine Arts Center, 2998 W. Pearl City, Road, Freeport, Ill.
“Leaving Iowa” is about a man honoring his late father’s wishes. Writer Don Browning returns to his childhood home to find it is now a grocery store. Undeterred, Don sets off on a road trip across Iowa, blending moments with fond memories from his past vacations.
“I believe comedies possess the unique ability to bring people from all walks of life together through laughter,” said Alex Jansen, director, and Highland Fine Arts Technical Coordinator. “Despite the differences between us and the uniqueness of each person’s life, I think all people can find joy and laughter in poking fun at our shared experiences. As Midwesterners, we all share the same deeply frustrating, agonizing and nostalgic experience — the family road trip.”
Cast List:
- Don Browning: Robyn Swan (he/him) – student, of Savanna, West Carroll High School
- Dad: Paul Vehmeier (he/him) — alumni/community member, of Freeport
- Mom: Angel Miller (she/her) — alumni/community member, of Freeport
- Sis: Julia Jansen (she/her) — alumni/community member, of Freeport
- Jack Singer: Jim Yeager (he/him) — faculty, Highland Community College
- Bob, Fruit Cart Guy, Amish Guy, Shopping Cart Lady, Jamie, Jessie: Kya Eckert (they/them) —alumni/community member, of Freeport
- Uncle Phil, Grandpa, Joe Hoefingers, Civil War Guy, Wayne: Eden Jordan (he/him) — student, of Monroe, Wis., Monroe High School
- Cart Chaser, Hotel Clerk, Judy, Grandma, Amish Gal, Museum Assistant: AJ Evon (she/her) — student, of Freeport, Freeport High School
- Aunt Phyllis, Drunk Lady: Malayla Moe (she/her) — student, of Freeport, Freeport High School
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. Buy tickets at highland.edu/boxoffice or by calling 815-599-3718 Monday-Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. For more on this event, visit highland.edu.