“Rabbit Hole,” the 2007-Pulitzer-Prize-winning drama by David Lyndsay-Abaire opens Feb. 18 for a two-weekend run in USU Eastern’s Peterson Black Box Theatre in the Central Instructional Building. It is directed by Corey Ewan, Ph.D., with the set designed by Brent Innes.
“Rabbit Hole” tells the story of Howie and Becca Corbett, a young couple coming to terms with the death of their 4-year-old son. The story picks up eight months after the accident as they are confronted with family situations and a grieving teen working to come to terms with the accident. It takes place almost entirely in one house with everyday conversations peppered with occasional references to real people (John F. Kennedy and Matt Lauer).
Serious, some humor
Although the subject matter is serious, there is humor interspersed throughout. “This particular play has been on my radar for years and this was the year felt right to direct it,” Ewan said.
The cast includes two Price natives: Tavery Larsen, who places Nat, Becca and Izzy’s mother, an opinionated alcoholic with a knack for sticking her foot in her mouth and Tristan Smith, who plays Jason, the awkward and nerdy 17 year old who accidently killed Becca and Howie’s son when the little boy ran in front of his car.
“Rabbit Hole” contains mature themes and language.
“If I were to assign a movie rating, I would give it a PG-13. I know some people need that to determine quality,” Ewan said. “Anyone who has experienced loss and grief will be readily able, I think, to identify with the thoughts and feelings expressed in this play.”
“Rabbit Hole” opens Thursday and continues Friday and Saturday with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday. It also runs Feb. 25-27. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale at 6:30 p.m. at the Peterson Theatre each night.
USUE students are $1 with current ID, faculty and staff $5. Regular admission is $10 for adults, $5 for non-USUE students and $7 for senior citizens.