Vero Voce opens 'Columbinus' this weekend
Vero Voce Theatre presents the drama "Columbinus" by the United States Theatre Project at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 6 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 7-16, at the theater, 951 State Ave., Suite F in St. Charles.
Written by Stephen Karam and PJ Paparelli, the play was sparked by the April 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. It is a meeting of fact and fiction that illuminates the realities of adolescent culture by exploring the events surrounding the shootings. The play weaves together excerpts from discussions with parents, survivors and community leaders in Littleton as well as police evidence to bring to light the dark recesses of American adolescence.
When "Columbinus" premiered in 2005 at the Round House Theatre, Peter Marks of the called it, "An ambitious examination of the suburbanization of evil," and the play went on to receive five Helen Hayes Award nominations including the Charles
MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play.
The United States Theatre Project's smart and sensitive treatment of the event, which traumatized a suburban Colorado community and shocked the entire country, stirs up thought and feeling in this clean ensemble production, drawn from interviews, public records and the private diaries of the shooters."
The cast includes Madigan Boborci, Katie Czajka, Liam McCarron, all of St. Charles; Ryan Bussert of South Elgin; Charlie Karner of Elgin; and Justin Knautz, Nathan Knautz, Tori McKeehan, all of Batavia.
"Columbinus" is directed by David M. Rodriguez, with assistant director Maddi LeBlanc, sounds/visuals by Tim Gustin and lights by Sofia Barbosa.
Tickets are $16 or $12 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased online at verovoce.com or by calling (630) 584-0139.
Due to strong language and intense visuals, this production is recommended for mature audiences only.
Vero Voce Theater was established in 2012 drawing some of the best non-equity actors in Chicago and the western suburbs. For information, visit verovoce.com or call (630) 584-0139.