Thursday, August 18, 2011

Rabbit Hole opens tonight

Cedar Rapids - Urban Theater Project of Iowa (UTP) presents David Lindsay-Abaire’s Rabbit Hole, opening August 18 thru 28 in a beautiful, early 20th century mansion located at 222 Crescent St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA.

Winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize, Rabbit Hole is a transcendent exploration of grief and hope.

Eight months after the loss of their young son in an auto accident, Becca and Howie Corbett redefine their lives. While Howie attends a support group and clings to precious details, Becca seeks to escape daily reminders of her son. When Becca’s irresponsible sister reveals she is pregnant—and Becca’s mother attempts to instruct Becca how best to grieve—Becca struggles to find a way back to an existence that still holds the possibility of laughter and beauty.

“The remarkable thing about this piece is that, despite the emotionally harrowing circumstances, it’s not overly sentimental—it’s alternately heartbreaking and hilarious,” says director Angie Toomsen. “These are real people, trying to move forward after the unimaginable. The depiction of that survival by this veteran crew of actors is honest, raw, funny and inclusive.”

Leslie Charpiar, artistic director of Theatre Cedar Rapids and UTP founder, steps into role of the Becca. Actor/director/writer, Jason Alberty, portrays Howie. Area favorites Cherryl Moon Thomason (Nat), Sarah Jarmon (Izzy) and Iowa City actor Nick Ostrem (Jason) round out the cast.

One of the hallmarks of UTP is that they present shows in non-theatrical settings. The house-which would make an incredible bed and breakfast-is actually on the market. The Cook family has graciously allowed UTP to use the family mansion. The extra cool part? Audiences get to take a look around the whole house before the show and during intermission, if desired. Guests are also welcomed into the dining room for complementary wine and chocolate torte.

Performance dates are August 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 8:00 p.m. curtain. House opens at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, but seating is limited. $10 General Admission. To make a reservation e-mail boxoffice@urbantheaterproject.org or call 319-431-2110.

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