Leaving Iowa Heading To Chicago

"Leaving Iowa," the critically acclaimed, hilarious family comedy written by Chicago playwrights Tim Clue and Spike Morton, and directed by Clue, returns for a six-week limited engagement at the Royal George Theatre. 

 

"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 traveling in the family station wagon as a young boy in Winterset, Iowa.  The family-friendly show features an original musical score by Bruce Roper of the popular Chicago folk trio Sons of the Never Wrong.  This Equity production features Brad Armacost, Denise Blank, Kelly Cooper, Brian McCartney and Barb Wengerd.

 

"Leaving Iowa" had its World Premiere at Jeff Daniels' acclaimed Purple Rose Theatre in January 2004, where it was nominated for "Best New Play of 2004" by the Detroit Free Press.  It was followed by the Chicago premiere in 2005 at Theatre Building Chicago.  The production is currently touring in Illinois to Beverly and Elgin, Milwaukee, and Madison, WI.  According to playwright Spike Mantonm, "We are so excited to bring this show back to Chicago because of our commitment to sharing the story of this very funny American journey to audiences of all ages.  Chicagoans may be able to see a little bit of themselves - and their families - in these characters. 

 

"These are people we all know and love and the story is something that all generations will recognize and appreciate," comments Manton.  "These are the reasons this show has been praised by critics and has sold out to audiences across the Midwest.  Tim Clue adds, "The spark behind the play comes from parents who were members of the 'Greatest Generation.'  Leaving Iowa is an homage to their idealism and character."  The play is currently being adapted into a screenplay.

Playwrights and Producers Tim Clue and Spike Manton both began his careers in stand-up comedy.  In 1991, Clue established Short Story Theatre, which combines short fiction adaptations with documentary footage.  The theatre's inaugural work, "Greek Streets," used short stories by Chicago's Harry Mark Petrakis.  "Other Definitions of Confinement" premiered at the National Jewish Theatre in 1993, and Tim wrote and directed a Chicago-based TV sitcom pilot, "Tiny Pig" in 1999, which is currently being adapted into a musical comedy.  Manton has worked extensively in stand-up and radio, including The Steve Dahl Show, ESPN Radio and the LOOP. 

Previews begin April 7, 2006 and the official opening night is Friday, April 21, 2006 at 8:00 p.m.  Performances are Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 5:00 & 8:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets for "Leaving Iowa" range from $37 to $42, with lower priced preview tickets available.  Tickets are available by phone at (312) 988-9000 or at the Royal George box office.  For more information, visit www.leavingiowa.com.