CLC Theatre presents 'The Diviners' Nov. 13-21
"The Diviners," winner of the American College Theatre Festival, will be presented by the College of Lake County Theatre department Nov. 13-15 and 19-21. The play was written by Jim Leonard Jr. and is being directed by Thomas B. Mitchell.
The drama tells the story of a widowed farmer raising his son, Buddy, during the Great Depression in rural Indiana. Buddy, who almost drowned as a child, is still terrified of water, although he's blessed with the ability to divine its location. When a disillusioned preacher, C.C. Showers, comes to the farm seeking employment, a unique bond develops between the troubled but gifted Buddy and the pastor, a man who represents salvation to the beleaguered townspeople. C.C. devotes himself to helping Buddy and his efforts precipitate a startling chain of events.
Mitchell chose "The Diviners" because it deals with important emotional and social issues.
"What attracted me to the play is how it deals with the doubt and fear caused by trauma on both the social and personal levels," Mitchell said.
"The community is dealing with the trauma of the Great Depression, and the lead character is a young man dealing with the trauma of losing his mother after himself nearly drowning. On many levels, the play deals with the struggle to survive, both in material terms and spiritually. The play concerns how people who are seen as 'different' are treated by others, as well as how people struggle to overcome doubts, fears and traumatic experiences. Overall, it's a powerful drama full of endearing moments," Mitchell said.
The production will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 and 14; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15; and 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 19-21, in the Studio Theatre of CLC's James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.
"The Diviners" cast includes Alexander Gray, Liz Hernandez and Max Ramage of Zion; Bianca Shofner of Gurnee; Austin Berrelez of Wauconda; Avi Kritzman of Buffalo Grove; Olivia Love-Hatlestad and Jenna Kleinofen of Grayslake; Ryan McNeil of Mundelein; Emily Schneider of Lindenhurst; and Sam Retzky of Lake Forest.
Tickets are $12, $10 for CLC students and staff, teens and seniors 65 and older (prices include a $2 JLC facility fee). Performances on Nov. 13 and 19 qualify for buy one, get one free tickets. For tickets, call (847) 543-2300 or visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets.
The box office is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 60 minutes prior to each performance at 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more in advance. For information, call (847) 543-2431 or email JLCgroupsales@clcillinois.edu. To request sign language interpreting, contact the box office at least two weeks in advance at (847) 543-2300.
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