Leaving
Iowa is a warm and nostalgic comedy about a middle-aged
writer searching for the perfect spot to scatter his father's
ashes; along the way, he relives the summer vacations he spent
trapped in the family station wagon as a boy.
"The beautiful thing about this play," says director Anthony Caselli, "is that through comedy, we see our hero finally reach an understanding: our parents are people just like us, with uncertainties just like us, who make the best choices they can."
"This play is about realizing that the journey is as important as the destination," adds Caselli. "Once that realization sets in, a lot of life becomes about family, reconciliation, and sacrifice. There are moments when you think 'What would I give to go back and live part of that journey just one more time?' The only thing we can do is decide how to live our lives from this point on. That's the part where our parent's sacrifices often influence us the most."
The cast of Leaving Iowa included Teri L. Clark as Sis, John Lepard as Don, Jim Porterfield in various roles, Elizabeth Ann Townsend as Mom and various roles, and appearing for the first time on the Purple Rose stage, Grant R. Krause as Dad.
Critics' QuotesA road trip in search of one’s
self "When
you put on a play about long Martin F. Kohn Family ties bind most lovingly in Leaving Iowa "Are you ready for a father-son story in which the bonds of love and respect are forged of steel, in a family that is, in fact, wrapped in a cocoon of love? In its warm glow of reminiscence, its nostalgia for a ‘back then’ time when you know in your bones that everything will turn out right, The Purple Rose Theatre’s Leaving Iowa is so out of step with today’s hard-edged theater fare that it is, actually, almost perfect. This heartland comedy is so out of step that it comes as a welcome relief, a two-hour bubble bath in which an Iowa family’s relationships are poked, prodded – and hold up under scrutiny... first-time Chicago playwrights Tim Clue and Spike Manton pull it all together in a way that finally makes perfect sense and leaves you with a smile on your face and a desire to hug your kids." Joan Behrmann Iowa takes nostalgic father-son journey Judith Cookis-Rubens Leaving Iowa combines humor, genuine sentiment "When a play is billed as a comedy, written by two men known for their sense of humor, the obvious first question is ‘is it funny?’ The answer, to borrow from Tim Clue and Spike Manton’s Leaving Iowa, which is enjoying its World Premiere at Chelsea’s Purple Rose Theatre, is ‘You betcha!’ Not only is it funny, Iowa offers strong performances by each member of its five-person cast. The play manages to be sentimental but not maudlin and has a heart as big as the stage in which most of it is set... Director Anthony Caselli, Chicago playwrights Clue and Manton, and the cast deliver a show for which braving winter’s chill is a treat. Who doesn’t need a laugh this time of year? And if you feel an urge to reconnect with mom and dad and wax nostalgic about family vacations, well, that’s the point, isn’t it?" Roger Lelievre Purple Rose offers a well-crafted Leaving Iowa "Writers Spike Manton and Tim Clue...have honed the written words to a level of perfection that is only exceeded by the fine work of the actors... Purple Rose has a particular knack for creative nutzoid staging, and nowhere is it more evident than in the arena of comedy, wherein they deliver some of their best work." Tom Helma Leaving Iowa a touching comedy Terry Pow Leaving Iowa is fun for the family "The Purple Rose Theatre Company’s production of Leaving Iowa is quintessential family entertainment." Kent Ashton Walton "This is a gentle story, filled with nostalgia for a world gone by, yet filled with hope that we can each have the world we long for – that it is inside each of us. It is one of those rare plays that manages to utilize specific events and people to touch each audience member with shared truths... Leaving Iowa treats us to an important journey into memory and family, and gently prods us to look at what is truly important in our lives. This is an important play for a fractious and frightening time... Director Anthony Caselli nailed this one. Performances, timing and movement all contributed to a seamless whole. We care for these characters, and the gentle love they hold for each other. If my children were still at home, I’d drag them all to see this play over and over again until they got it. I encourage everyone to see Leaving Iowa, and to take the family." Steve Daut |
Photos by Danna Segrest
family
car trips, you run the risk of some snarky reviewer writing ‘Are
we there yet?’ When you put on a play as colorful and
funny as Leaving Iowa the dreaded question never
arises... Theatre founder Jeff Daniels often cites his desire
to make Purple Rose a place where stories of his beloved
Midwest have a chance to be told and Midwestern voices have
a chance to speak. Daniels’ own Escanaba in da
Moonlight, a raunchy comedy about hunting, is a prime
example. Leaving Iowa should appeal to a broader
audience, and may well face a long journey of its own after
leaving Michigan."
"This
Corn Belt comedy never veers too far into the absurd or the
overly sentimental. It strikes the right balance to tender
humor as father and son reconnect on one last, great adventure...
Anthony Caselli skillfully directs this seamless journey
between present and past. With the help of Dana White’s
lighting design and Quintessa Duffield’s sound, you’re
never wondering, ‘are we there yet?’ The story
unfolds gracefully, like any great road trip, stopping in
interesting places and moving along just before it becomes
tiresome. Sure we want to know where Dad will finally rest,
but, really, we’re just enjoying the ride."
"Jim
Porterfield provides a virtuoso gallery of cameo appearances,
including an achingly funny portrayal of a Civil War memorial
guide that alone is worth the price of admission. Grant Krause
is perfect as the father... John Lepard delivers a splendid
performance as the son... Director Anthony Caselli shuttles
the action back and forth in time and space with tender loving
care."