Geneva theater to stage first U.S. production of 'K-PAX'

Can it be true? An alien is coming to Kane County? Coming for the very first time?

Yes, it's true. "K-PAX," the stage production of the popular novel, is having a North American premiere in Geneva and author Gene Brewer is coming from New York to see it.

Scheduled to start its three week run today, "K-PAX" will be performed at the Geneva Underground Playhouse at 524 W. State St.

Director Eric Schwartz describes the play as "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" meets "Miracle on 34th Street."

"In a way it is a good description," said cast member Steve Lord. "The play takes place in a mental ward which is similar to 'Cuckoo's Nest' but in the end there is a feeling of hope similar to the feeling in 'Miracle on 34th Street.'"

The story centers around the character Prot who claims to be from the planet, K-PAX. While he is being treated at the mental institution, Prot improves the lives of those around him and influences others in a positive way.

Is he an alien or a delusional patient? You'll have to go to the show to find out.

"K-PAX" was part of a very successful trilogy that eventually was made into a movie starring Kevin Spacey.

The author of the "K-PAX" trilogy, Gene Brewer, grew up in Muncie, Ind., and attended both DePaul University and the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Before he began his writing career, he did scientific research in DNA replication and cell division at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and Case Reserve University.

"The only reason I wrote the stage version of 'K-PAX' is that someone at a theater near Manchester, England wanted to produce it," said Brewer.

"I agreed to do the adaptation because I had no say-so in the film version, and I wanted the play to be more like what I had envisioned. Unfortunately, that production fell through because of a serious automobile accident to the director's wife. Shortly after that, a company in London asked for the rights to stage it."

K-PAX has been performed in a number of different countries around the world, but the Geneva production will be a North American premiere.

"'K-PAX' has been staged in England, Scotland, Poland, Japan, and the Czech Republic. Maybe 1 or 2 other countries, including South Korea," said Brewer. "I've seen it performed in London and Edinburgh."

How did this play come to Geneva?

Director Eric Schwartz is a fan of Brewer's work and connected with him through Brewer's web page.

"I was doing a web series and I was looking for authors to write a blurb supporting my series, so I contacted him," said Schwartz. "He mentioned on his website that he had a written a play about K-PAX and when I was on our play selection committee, (so) I thought of his play."

Schwartz is quick to point out that this play isn't really a sci-fi piece.

"Gene Brewer has written a very compelling story," said Schwartz. "His main character, Prot, is really just an observer who sees all of the problems that are on earth and goes about trying to solve them one person at a time."

Doing a premiere performance is pressure for the actors. Doing the premiere for the playwright is even harder.

"I think the actors are both excited and a bit nervous about doing the play for Gene Brewer," said Steve Lord.

"I'm glad they're excited, but they shouldn't be nervous," said Brewer. "I promise not to be hypercritical and, anyway, I will probably be more nervous than they are.

"You never know how an audience is going to react to your work. I hope they like it."

Gene Brewer will be attending the May 16 production and has agreed to take questions from the audience after the play.

The show features Geneva resident Pat Able as Dr. Gene Brewer, and Scott Surowiecki, of Chicago, as Prot.

Other actors performing in the play include: Angela Bend (Bess), of St. Charles; Kathy Richardson (Giselle), of Elburn; Steve Lord (Chuck), of Geneva; Russ Devereaux (Ernie), of St. Charles; Peter Lemongelli (Howie), of Cicero; and Angelicque Cate (Betty), of Elgin.

The Geneva Underground Playhouse is just completing it's first year of productions. The small 50-seat theater has had a very successful season with a sellout for "Steel Magnolias" and successful runs for "Agnes of God," "The Best Man" and "Play Ball." Being able to produce a premiere is a big step for the ensemble.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>

<p class="News"><b>What:</b> The North American premiere of the stage version of "K-PAX"</p>

<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, May 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22; and 3 p.m. Sundays, May 9 and 16</p>

<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> The Geneva Underground Playhouse, 524 W. State St., Geneva</p>

<p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students; $10 surcharge for the Gene Brewer event on May 16</p>

<p class="News"><b>Details:</b> <a href="http://genevaundergroundplayhouse.com" target="new">genevaundergroundplayhouse.com</a>; (630) 232-7683</p>