Courtney Tucker
UTC Theatre Company in conjunction with the First Tennessee Foundation presents Bruce Norris’ Clybourne Park. The performance will be in UTC’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre, in UTC’s Fine Arts Center. The show will run Sept. 30-Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 4.
Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 2012 Tony Winner, this drama explores the history of the house bought by the Younger family of the American classic A Raisin in the Sun. The play begins in 1959 when a black family has bought the house in the all-white neighborhood. Roles are reversed in the second act when a white family buys the same house in 2009 in what is now a predominantly African-American neighborhood. Race, real estate and the American dream are dissected in this play where no cow is sacred. Steve Ray, the production’s director, said, “Audience members should come expecting to laugh and then wonder if it is okay to be laughing.”
“Clybourne Park is not just an important play, it’s really a blast. It’s smart and funny and a little unnerving at times, “ said Mr. Ray. “In the first act, the actors play characters from 1959 and in the second act, they play different characters in 2009. I think audiences will really enjoy seeing these talented actors portray contrasting characters. This layers the play with meaning while adding to the theatricality of it all.” Mr. Ray adds, “I love delving into difficult topics—and this play is full of complex issues from racism in America to why humans get offended to what they find funny to the promise of the American Dream. The Stage is perfect for this. In the best theatre, we explore, we don’t preach.”
UTC Theatre Company’s Clybourne Park production features:
• Cast: Dalton Arbaugh, Calvin Forrest, Grace Holtz, Falcian Page, Nicholas Sterling, Courtney Tucker, and Madeleine Young.
• Stage Manager: Austin Blackburn
• Scene Designer: Adam Miecielica
• Costume Designer: Stephanie Henderson
• Lighting Designer/ Technical Director: John Burgess
Tickets can be purchased at the Fine Arts Center box office by phone at 423-425-4269 or in person. Tickets are also available to purchase at tickettracks.com. Tickets are $12 General Admission and $10 for students and seniors. The play contains strong language that may not suitable for younger audiences.
From left to right: Nick Sterling, Madeleine Young, Mason Degroot, and Courtney Tucker