"Ann Landers" returns to ITAC

Amana - The Lady With All The Answers by David Rambo, returns to the Iowa Theatre Artists’ stage for a two week run, June 17-26, before heading to Wisconsin and the St. Croix Festival Theatre in July. Meg Merckens will be reprising her role as Ann Landers in one of the most popular shows in ITAC’s young history. ITAC first produced the play as the debut production of their newly renovated performing space in Amana in 2008. Co-Producers, Tom Johnson and Merckens, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, transformed the former Amana Barn Restaurant into a two floor arts center with a dance floor and events center on the first level, and a 102-seat theatre on the second level. The first level is now run by “Collectively Iowa Wines and Event Center.”

The Lady With All The Answers, written in 2006, is a funny and moving one-woman show that invites audiences to spend an evening with advice columnist Ann Landers, who readily offers down-to-earth advice and opinions, shares favorite letters and memories as she struggles to write the toughest column of her life. Johnson explains, “When the St. Croix Festival Theatre called to book the show for performances in July of this year, we thought it would work well to re-mount the production here in Amana for the many who expressed interest in seeing the show after its initial successful run.” Diana Nollen’s Cedar Rapids Gazette review from April of 2009, called it “...perhaps Merckens’ finest achievement.”

Reservations are strongly recommended and may be made through the ITAC Box Office, 319-622-3222, or by emailing ITAC at itac@southslope.net. The play runs June 17-26 with performance times: Fridays: 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM, Saturdays: 7:30 PM and Sundays: 1:30 PM. Ticket price is $20 for an Adult ticket and $10 for students. Audience discretion is advised due to mature content.