RABBIT HOLES RUNS DEEP WITH EMOTION

February 2, 2010
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From left, Scarr (who plays Becca Corbett) and Prisk (Howie Corbett) may have their differences.

Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire delves into a family’s struggle to recover from a tragic loss in his highly acclaimed drama Rabbit Hole, an edgy, frank, and ultimately hopeful examination of grief, comfort, and moving on.

The University of La Verne Theatre Arts Department’s upcoming production of Lindsay-Abaire’s 2007 Pulitzer Prize-winning play promises audiences seven emotionally charged performances in Dailey Theatre. Evening performances are scheduled for Feb. 4-5-6 and 11-12-13 at 7:30, followed by a closing matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14.
 
Ticket prices are $10 for general admission, $8 for faculty, staff and seniors and $5 for students with valid ID. To make reservations, contact the La Verne Theatre Department at (909) 593-3511 ext. 4386, or email melody.rahbari@laverne.edu.
 
One of the most celebrated new playwrights in America, Lindsay-Abaire, whose past work includes “Fuddy Meers” and “Kimberly Akimbo,” created a reputation for himself as a quirky and absurdist writer. Yet with “Rabbit Hole,” he demonstrates his ability to be a sympathetic and honest storyteller, exposing the human condition and the power of relationships in a bold and refreshingly straightforward manner.

The play opens as Becca (played by Jennifer Scarr) and Howie Corbett (Joshua Prisk) attempt to move on with their lives eight months after the accidental death of their four-year-old son, Danny. Becca’s mother (Hailey Heisick) and sister Izzy (Brittany Lokar) are colorful and humorous characters who provide support to the couple in their own, well-intentioned ways. But when Izzy announces that she is pregnant, Becca and Howie find that their own powerful emotions are drawn to the surface.  Becca and Howie face their greatest challenge as Jason (Aaron Colby), the young man who accidentally killed Danny, reaches out to them. Leavened with humor and textured with rich characters, the story deals honestly with the complexities of grief and relationships in a hopeful and uplifting way.

La Verne’s production of “Rabbit Hole” is under the direction of Sean Dillon, assistant professor of Theatre at La Verne. The set design is by Rich Eisbrouch, light design by Lisa D. Katz and costume design by Sarah Register. This production also serves as the Senior Performance Theses of Scarr, Prisk and Lokar.

Directions to the university and parking information are available online at www.laverne.edu.

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Fom left, Scarr (who plays Becca Corbett), Prisk (Howie Corbett), Lokar (Izzy) and Hailey Heisick (Nat) do a little wine and whining.

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