'When the Rain Stops Falling' features guest director from Australia


Mon, 02/19/2018

author

Lisa Coble Krings

When the Rain Stops Falling graphic

LAWRENCE — In this play that begins in 2039 and goes back to 1959, family members suffer the consequences of decisions made by previous generations. “When the Rain Stops Falling,” by Andrew Bovell, raises questions about climate change, family secrets and morality.

“When the Rain Stops Falling” opens March 2 at the University of Kansas University Theatre. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. March 2, 3, 9 and 10 and at 2:30 p.m. March 4 and 11 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre at Murphy Hall. It is directed by Andrew Lewis, associate dean of performance at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

“This connection to family is so significant. The human condition of desire drives many of these characters through their journeys. One of the main characters will travel halfway across the world in search of closure,” Lewis said. “The play begs the questions: Do we have a destiny? Can we alter our destiny? What kind of world are we living in and creating?” 

Tickets for “When the Rain Stops Falling” are on sale now at KU ticket offices and online at www.kutheatre.com. Tickets are also available by calling the University Theatre, 785-864-3982, and the Lied Center, 785-864-ARTS. Tickets are $20 for adults, $19 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff, and $10 in advance, $15 at the door for KU students.

This play contains mature subject matter and strong language that may not be appropriate for all audiences. 

The company includes Abbey Lynn Smith, Altamont senior, as Gabrielle York (younger); DeAngelo Davis, Lynwood, Illinois, junior, as Joe Ryan; Michelle Stelting, Topeka doctoral student, as Gabrielle York (older); Rendi Renee Doran, Overland Park junior, as Elizabeth Law (younger); Jake Gillespie, Paola sophomore, as Gabriel Law; Adrian Brothers, Lawrence senior, as Henry Law; Drew Hafling, Topeka senior, as Andrew Price; Tinashe Mukoyi, Dickinson, North Dakota, junior, as assistant director; and Charlotte Nodarse, Kansas City, Missouri, senior, as the dramaturg; Kayleigh Shaffer, Olathe sophomore, sound designer, and Josh Philoon, Wilmette, Illinois, senior, as the stage manager. 

The production features the following guest artists: Christie Dobson, Alexandria, Virginia, as Elizabeth Law (older); Peter Zazzali, Department of Theatre assistant professor and director of Kansas Repertory Theatre, as Gabriel York; Dennis Christilles, associate professor and artistic director of the University Theatre, scenic and lighting designer; Kelly Vogel, resident artist and academic associate, scenic designer, and Ben Corbett, voice and dialect coach.

Lewis is a director, actor and writer. He originally trained as an actor at the Queen Margaret Drama School in Edinburgh Scotland. He played many roles in theatre and television before embarking on a career in directing and teaching. Lewis has directed numerous stage plays and films. In television he has directed more than 100 hours of broadcast drama programs. He has also produced, directed and written documentary and magazine programs for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. In his current role as associate dean of performance at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, he is responsible for the acting, music theatre, dance, performing arts and aboriginal theatre courses. He is also associate director of The WA Screen Academy. 

The Department of Theatre is one of four departments in the School of the Arts. As part of the KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the School of the Arts offers fresh possibilities for collaboration between the arts and the humanities, sciences, social sciences, international and interdisciplinary studies. 

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Mon, 02/19/2018

author

Lisa Coble Krings

Media Contacts

Lisa Coble-Krings

Department of Theatre & Dance

785-864-5685