Three-person cast presents humorous, surprising story of self-discovery

North Central College presents “Late: A Cowboy Song,” a quirky meditation by beloved contemporary U.S. playwright Sarah Ruhl April 21-24.

Four performances of “Late: A Cowboy Song” will be staged at 7:30 p.m. April 21-23 and at 2 p.m. April 24 in the College’s theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St. Tickets are $10/adults and $8/students and senior citizens; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix. Some adult language and thematic material are included in this production.

“Late: A Cowboy Song” is the story of Mary, a young woman bogged down in a life where time seems to pass her by. Crick, her boyfriend since childhood, loves painting but seems to have a hard time connecting with people, including Mary. When Mary reconnects with Red, a female cowboy, she begins to think about possibilities outside the conventional and is inspired to rethink her life and make a change.

A sympathetic and humorous story of three souls looking for connections, Sarah Ruhl’s play encourages us to think it may not be too late to chase the life we want, instead of the one we feel we’re given. This play, says Ruhl, is for all the lady cowboys who ride outside the city limits of convention.  

“All of Ruhl’s work is linked by humor, poetic language, deep sympathy for her characters, and an embrace of small theatrical magic that can only be shared by an audience in a space together,” says director David Peterson, North Central visiting assistant professor of theatre. “Our goal is bring this beautiful poem of a play to life, so that all of us can share in Mary’s frustration with the stagnation in her life, but also realize the possibility of changing that world.”

The cast for “Late: A Cowboy Song” is (role, name, town, year, major):
Crick: Cody Talkie of Joliet, a junior majoring in musical theatre and theatre
Mary: Kellyn Maguire of Downers Grove, a sophomore majoring in theatre and sociology
Red: Sarah Fons of Stoughton, Wis., a junior majoring in theatre (photo, right)

The crew is (role, name, town, year, major):
Director: David Peterson, visiting assistant professor of theatre
Assistant director: Elizabeth Miller of Godfrey, a freshman majoring in theatre and theatrical design and technology
Stage manager: Stephen Kossak of Somonauk, a junior majoring in theatre and theatrical design and technology
Assistant stage manager: Kate Sanderson of St. Charles, a senior majoring in theatrical design and technology and business management
Technical director: Peter O’Neill, technical director, theatre department
Master carpenter: Michelle Reaska, scenic studio shop foreman
Scenic designer: Elizabeth Bracken, assistant professor of theatre
Assistant scenic designer: Emily Marrazzo of Algonquin, a sophomore majoring in theatre
Sound designer/composer: Cassie Fenwick of Naperville, a senior majoring in theatre and psychology
Light designer: Tom Noesen of Naperville, a junior majoring in theatrical design and technology
Costume/hair/makeup designer: Bri Tobin of Shorewood, a senior majoring in theatrical design and technology
Props master: Rachel Oriatti of Downers Grove, a sophomore majoring in psychology

This production is among many ongoing programs at North Central College to enrich and broaden the cultural and academic outlook for the College and community. North Central offers a variety of venues accommodating a rich range of local and world-class events, performances and space needs for the public. For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, art exhibits and more, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).