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FOR MEDIA INFORMATION Contact: Cathy Johnson or Susan Claassen Administration: (520) 884-0672 Box Office: (520) 882-9721 1400 N. First Ave, Tucson, AZ. 85719 www.invisibletheatre.com THE INVISIBLE THEATRE Presents THE COMEDY ABOUT FAMILY VACATIONS! LEAVING IOWA by Tim Clue and Spike Manton Directed by Susan Claassen Through the generous support of Dr. Bella Eibensteiner WHERE: The Invisible Theatre 1400 N. First Avenue (at Drachman) Tucson, AZ 85719 WHEN: September 15 – October 4, 2009 TICKETS: Ticket Price: $16 - $25 Tuesday, September 15 at 7:30 pm - Preview ($16) Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 7:30 pm – Opening ($22) Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm ($22) Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm ($25) Sundays at 3:00 pm ($25) Call (520) 882-9721 for reservations and information Discounts available for groups of 10 or more RUSH TICKETS: One half-hour prior to curtain for any scheduled performance, tickets are available for half price – subject to availability CAST: Terry Erbe, Roberto Guajardo, Lori Hunt, David Johnston, Susan Kovitz and Victoria McGee RUNNING TIME: 2 hours, with one intermission August 25, 2009, Tucson, Arizona – The Invisible Theatre kicks off it’s 39 th Anniversary “Season of Love” with LEAVING IOWA BY Tim Clue and Spike Manton. This heart warming comedy is about a journalist who returns home to Winterset, Iowa to find a final resting place for his father’s ashes and is a nostalgic ode to days gone by. With a generous dollop of humor and a heart as big as the Midwest, LEAVING IOWA shows us that the journey really is as important as the destination.

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Page 1: Presents THE COMEDY ABOUT FAMILY VACATIONS! LEAVING · PDF filePOTENTIAL debuted and focused on the stories of Chicago's inner-city youth. In 1999, ... LEAVING IOWA is their best example

FOR MEDIA INFORMATION Contact: Cathy Johnson or Susan Claassen Administration: (520) 884-0672 Box Office: (520) 882-9721 1400 N. First Ave, Tucson, AZ. 85719 www.invisibletheatre.com

THE INVISIBLE THEATRE

Presents

THE COMEDY ABOUT FAMILY VACATIONS!

LEAVING IOWA by

Tim Clue and Spike Manton

Directed by Susan Claassen

Through the generous support of Dr. Bella Eibensteiner WHERE: The Invisible Theatre 1400 N. First Avenue (at Drachman) Tucson, AZ 85719 WHEN: September 15 – October 4, 2009 TICKETS: Ticket Price: $16 - $25 Tuesday, September 15 at 7:30 pm - Preview ($16) Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 7:30 pm – Opening ($22) Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm ($22) Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm ($25) Sundays at 3:00 pm ($25) Call (520) 882-9721 for reservations and information Discounts available for groups of 10 or more RUSH TICKETS: One half-hour prior to curtain for any scheduled performance, tickets are available for half price – subject to availability CAST: Terry Erbe, Roberto Guajardo, Lori Hunt, David Johnston, Susan Kovitz and Victoria McGee RUNNING TIME: 2 hours, with one intermission

August 25, 2009, Tucson, Arizona – The Invisible Theatre kicks off it’s 39th Anniversary “Season of Love” with LEAVING IOWA BY Tim Clue and Spike Manton. This heart warming comedy is about a journalist who returns home to Winterset, Iowa to find a final resting place for his father’s ashes and is a nostalgic ode to days gone by. With a generous dollop of humor and a heart as big as the Midwest, LEAVING IOWA shows us that the journey really is as important as the destination.

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ABOUT THE PEOPLE

ROBERTO GUAJARDO (Don) is a veteran of well over a dozen IT productions. Roberto first appeared here back in the 1970’s in WEEDS. He last appeared at IT last season in CAMPING WITH HENRY AND TOM. He has frequently appeared with Arizona Theatre Company, Borderlands Theatre, Beowulf Alley and Arizona Repertory Theatre. Roberto has also worked in theaters throughout the state, including Arizona Jewish Theatre, Actor’s Theatre of Phoenix, Phoenix Theatre and four seasons with the Flagstaff Festival of the Arts. Regional credits include appearances at Seattle Repertory Theatre, San José Repertory Theatre, Missouri Repertory Theatre and The Pasadena Playhouse. He has worked extensively in film and television. In 2008 Roberto was honored to receive TPAC’s Lumie Award for Lifetime Achievement for outstanding contribution to the arts in Pima County. DAVID ALEXANDER JOHNSTON (Dad) made his IT debut in last season’s smash hit, DON’T TALK TO THE ACTORS. He has been seen in Arizona Theatre Company’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, THE FANTASTICKS, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and MY FAIR LADY. He performed with Arizona Opera in such favorites as THREEPENNY OPERA, BARBER OF SEVILLE and GIRL OF THE GOLDEN WEST. Other favorite roles include The Actor in WOMAN IN BLACK, The Old Man in PRELUDE TO A KISS, Marvin in FALSETTOLAND, Buzz in LOVE, VALOUR COMPASSION! and PT Barnum in BARNUM. His television and movie credits include Day of Redemption, Spin, The Unflyable Plane for BBC, Fast Getaway II, Tank Girl and several regional and national commercials and industrial films. VICTORIA McGEE (Mom) is happy to be back at IT where she was last seen as Carla Carla in SWIMMING IN THE SHALLOWS. She has also appeared at Beowulf Alley Theatre in THE ACTOR’S NIGHTMARE, FIFTH PLANET AND OTHER PLAYS and ARCADIA. Victoria is a regular performing member of Not Burnt Out, Just Unscrewed – Tucson’s comedy improvisation troupe. She credits improv training with helping her in her day job, a middle school guidance counselor! In addition to stage, Victoria has worked in film, television, commercials and recently started doing audio books! SUSAN KOVITZ (Sis) is making her first appearance at IT after having played leading roles in HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES, NO SEX PLEASE—WE’RE BRITISH, ANYTHING GOES, L’IL ABNER, LEND ME A TENOR, 6 RMS RVR VU and THE GINGERBREAD LADY. A former high school drama and art teacher, she has also appeared in nearly 100 interactive murder mysteries where she variously died, killed someone, or brought a murderer to justice. A B.F.A. graduate of Rockford College, Susan also studied at Regents College in London and with the Royal Shakespeare Company. The role of Sis comes naturally to her, as she spent nearly all her childhood vacations traveling in the back of the family van. When not on stage, Susan is on stage—teaching aerobics and fitness classes throughout Tucson. TERRY ERBE (Character Guy) is a Kansas native, celebrating his eleventh year in Tucson. He teaches theatre at Catalina Foothills High School, as well as acting and directing around town. Previously seen at IT in THE EXONERATED, he has also performed at LTW in SOCIAL SECURITY, at The Rogue in Genet’s THE BALCONY and in two Toni Press-Coffman plays, THAT SLUT and NEW HOUSE, NEW DOG. Terry directed PRELUDE TO A KISS at LTW, where he also directed A PERFECT GANESH. Other directing credits include THE LAST FIVE YEARS, ELEEMOSYNARY, LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! and SUMMER AND SMOKE. LORI HUNT (Character Gal) is thrilled to be making her IT debut. She grew up in Tucson, where she attended the U of A and appeared in such Arizona Repertory Theatre shows as LYSISTRATA and THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. For the last 9 years, she has been seen onstage weekly in the Greater Cincinnati area at Shadowbox, doing sketch comedy, singing rock and roll and performing in musicals on the weekends. Favorite roles include Sally Bowles in CABARET, Gloria in TABLOID, Dr. Scott in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and too many crazy/drunk/trashy women to count.

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SUSAN CLAASSEN (Director/Producer/Equity Stage Manager) is celebrating her 35th anniversary with IT. As Managing Artistic Director she has produced over 360 productions and directed over 80. Suz created the role of Edith Head in the current touring production of A CONVERSATION WITH EDITH HEAD (www.edithhead.biz) which played to critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and London’s West End! Some of her most memorable roles have been Bella in LOST IN YONKERS, Everyone in SEARCH FOR SIGNS.... and most recently, Vi in NATIVES. Suz is the founder and director of The Pastime Players, the subject of the documentary SUCH GOOD FRIENDS, a member of the League of Professional Theatre Women and has been a clown in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 2001. She has been a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1969 and dedicates her work to the living memory of her beloved mother, Goldie. HANK KROWICKI (Company Stage Manager/Prop Design) came to the Invisible Theatre as a volunteer during the Sizzling Summer Sounds 2004 series and now is a treasured member of the IT staff! Hank has staged managed such favorite productions as MESHUGGAH-NUNS, THE EXONERATED, DEAD CERTAIN, COOKIN’ WITH GUS, LETTERS TO SALA, THE BIG VOICE, THE BUSINESS OF MURDER, NATIVES, GUNMETAL BLUES, CAMPING WITH HENRY AND TOM and DON’T TALK TO THE ACTORS. BLEACHER BUMS marked Hank's triumphant return to the stage after a 34 year absence and he has made several cameo appearances in Sizzling Summer Sounds 2005, 2006 and 2007. JAMES BLAIR (Designer/Technical Director) is IT’s appreciated Associate Artistic Director and “Renaissance Man”. Some of his most memorable performances were in THE IMMIGRANT, ACCOMPLICE, KNOCK ‘EM DEAD, COOKIN’ WITH GUS and CAMPING WITH HENRY AND TOM. Some favorite set and light designs were DEAD CERTAIN and NATIVES. In addition, James has designed for Desert Voices, The Waterfront Playhouse and The Red Barn Theatre in Key West and The University of Arizona. His favorite directing projects include STEPPING OUT and last season’s BUSINESS OF MURDER. James is also technical director for the national and international touring company of A CONVERSATION WITH EDITH HEAD. TOM BENSON (Scenic Design) has been the resident scenic designer and artist for the Gaslight Theatre in Tucson for over 30 years. He has designed and painted scenery for theatres from Vermont to southern California, including three seasons at the Utah Shakespearean Festival, and has taught theatre design at the University of Arizona and at Penn. State University. He has also worked as a set designer on the films "Posse", "Tombstone", and "Tank Girl" and the TNT movie, "Buffalo Soldiers". Other recent scenic design work includes; IT’s CAMPING WITH HENRY AND TOM, TITUS ANDRONICUS, and THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS for the University of Arizona Repertory Theatre; DEATHTRAP for the Willows Theatre, Concord, California; and HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES for the North Fort Players, Lake City, South Dakota. IT is thrilled to have Tom as a part of its artistic ensemble. MARYANN TROMBINO (Costume Design) was IT’s resident designer for 10 years creating such unforgettable shows as A...MY NAME IS ALICE, THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP, NUNSENSE, WHEN PIGS FLY, THE IMMIGRANT, THE OLD SETTLER, LETTERS TO SALA, BUSINESS OF MURDER, BINGO, GUNMETAL BLUES and CAMPING WITH HENRY AND TOM. IT is always ecstatic to have her as a guest designer! Prior to moving to Tucson to design for Up With People, she worked at Ringling Brothers Clown College and in the shop of NY’s famed designer, Santo Loquasto. ROB BOONE (Sound Design) has been an important part of the IT family for many years! IT patrons will remember Rob as the pianist, Teddy Shapiro, backing up Sophie Tucker and musical diector of BINGO. Rob has been a professional musician since the age of 16 and has been active in the Tucson area in a wide variety of musical situations as performer, producer, composer, arranger, conductor, and copyist. He has worked with many performers including Ray Charles, Sammy Davis Jr. and Bernadette Peters. Rob has written several original scores for plays including THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR, K2 and SILVER APPLES OF THE MOON and IT productions of FROM DOOR TO DOOR, DEAD CERTAIN and LETTERS TO SALA.

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ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHTS

TIM CLUE's first writing gig was stand-up comedy. However, in 1991 he established Short Story Theater with Marco Benassi, a multimedia theatrical company that combined short fiction adaptations with documentary footage. GREEK STREETS was their inaugural work, using short stories by Harry Mark Petrakis. OTHER DEFINITIONS OF CONFINEMENT premiered at the National Jewish Theater in 1993, introducing the life and writings of Russian political prisoner Dmitry Stonov, and in 1997 COLORING POTENTIAL debuted and focused on the stories of Chicago's inner-city youth. In 1999, Spike Manton and Clue wrote and directed a Chicago-based television sitcom pilot, “Tiny Pig”, that "made it into the can," but not on TV; it is now being adapted into a comedy musical. Their play LEAVING IOWA is also being written as a screenplay. Clue grew up in Rochelle, Ill., and still lives in Chicago with his wife, Kathryn Lake, one cat, no kids and no station wagon. SPIKE MANTON was born on a farm in far upstate New York, but his parents moved the family to a bustling metropolis of almost two thousand people, where he grew up in a standard 1960's family unit of four kids, two parents and one station wagon. As child number three, he is very familiar with the seating location known as "the way back." After graduating from Bradley University, Peoria, Ill., Manton moved to Chicago, quit his Procter & Gamble sales job, got married and began a career in stand-up comedy. Stand-up lead to cable TV shows like An Evening at the Improv, MTV and Comedy Central and, more importantly, a career in Chicago radio, where he spent 10 years hosting FM talk shows and sports talk shows on ESPN Radio. Along the way, Manton has been trying to create, write and produce original work with his writing partner, Tim Clue. LEAVING IOWA is their best example of executing that plan to date, although they have many projects at various stages of production. Manton lives in Chicago with his wife, Tami, and their two children, Mickey and Samantha.

“Simultaneously hilarious and touching.” - Chicago Sun Times

“A heart warming comedy” - Los Angeles Times

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SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION

LEAVING IOWA Special Dates: Preview: Tuesday, September15, 2009 – 7:30 pm ($16) Opening: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 – 7:30 pm ($22) Seminar: Wednesday, 23, 2009 – 7:30 pm ($22) Closing: Sunday, October 4, 2009 – 8:00 pm ($25) Week One: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 7:30 pm (Preview) Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 7:30 pm (Opening) Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 7:30 pm Friday, September 18, 2009 at 8:00 pm Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 8:00 pm Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 3:00 pm Week Two: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 7:30 pm (Seminar Night) Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 7:30 pm Friday, September 25, 2009 at 8:00 pm Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 8:00 pm Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 3:00 pm Week Three: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 7:30 pm Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 7:30 pm Friday, October 2, 2009 at 8:00 pm Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 8:00 pm Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 3:00 pm (Closing) Box Office: To purchase tickets or for information:

Call (520) 882-9721 to charge by phone Visit the Invisible Theatre Lobby (1400 N. First Ave at Drachman) Discounts available for groups of ten or more Visa, M/C and AE are accepted

Rush Tickets: One half-hour prior to curtain for any scheduled performance, tickets are available for half price, subject to availability. Wheelchair Access: The Invisible Theatre is fully accessible to patrons using wheelchairs or with other mobility challenges. Seating areas to accommodate persons using wheelchairs are located in the theatre. If patrons require special seating they should call the Box Office.

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PRODUCTION INFORMATION

LEAVING IOWA Director – Susan Claassen Producers – Susan Claassen and Cathy Johnson Playwrights – Tim Clue and Spike Manton Cast – Terry Erbe (Multiple Character Guy), Roberto Guajardo (Don), Lori Hunt (Multiple Character Gal), David Johnston (Dad), Susan Kovitz (Sis) and Victoria McGee (Mom) Technical Director – James Blair Set Design – James Blair and Susan Claassen Iowa Postcard Design – Tom Benson Costume Design – Maryann Trombino Light Design – James Blair Sound Design – Rob Boone Prop Design – Hank Krowicki Wig Design – Franki Levin Company Stage Manager – Hank Krowicki Sound Operator – Dave Hassen Light Operator – Hank Krowicki Equity Stage Manager – Susan Claassen Production Assistant – Alexandra Franklin Photo Credit – Tim Fuller LEAVING IOWA – Synopsis by Tim Clue The spark behind LEAVING IOWA comes from being children of parents from the now dubbed "greatest generation." The story is a toast to their idealism and character and a little roast of their undying dedication to the classic family road trip. More specifically, it is the story of Don Browning, a middle-aged writer, who returns home and decides to finally take his father's ashes to his childhood home, as requested. But when Don discovers Grandma's house is now a grocery store, he begins traveling across Iowa searching for a proper resting place for his father. This father-and-son road trip shifts smoothly from the present to Don's memories of the annual, torturous vacations of his childhood. Don's existential journey leads him to reconcile his past and present at the center of the United States. LEAVING IOWA is a postcard to anyone who has ever found himself or herself driving alone on a road, revisiting fond memories of his or her youth.