Lewis University On the Road Again with Comedy "Leaving Iowa"

Lewis University’s Heritage Theatre Company (HTC) presents the family road-trip comedy “Leaving Iowa” on Jan. 24 and 25. Written by Tim Clue and Spike Manton, the play sprang from a universal shared formative experience: the family road-trip vacation. The Philip Lynch Theatre (PLT) produced the show ten years ago, and HTC is doing the decade challenge and bring the show to audiences again in the Studio Theatre.

The warm, nostalgic, family-friendly show is about a journalist (reprised by Lewis University alumnus Sean Barber of Crest Hill) who returns to his home in Winterset, Iowa, to find the perfect resting spot for his late father’s ashes. Told in memory flashback sequences, he relives the annual road trips spent in the family station wagon. Filled with charm, this touching play celebrates the love of family and the open highway.

The cast of “Leaving Iowa” includes Lewis University alumnus Christopher Hueg of Roseville, MN reprising his role of the mileage-checking, adventure-seeking Dad; Lewis University alumnae Carli (Wheeler) Reinholtz of Plainfield plays the role of the nurturing Mom, and Lewis University alumnae Kate (Sisto) Laurich of Joliet reprises her role as the irascible younger sister. Rounding out the cast are Lewis University alumni: Matthew Carlson of Lockport, Matt Dutton of Oak Park, Jen Glynn of Chicago, Katy Papineau of Joliet; and current Lewis students Lukas Roy of Palos Park and Ted Veremis of Bartlett. This talented ensemble of six actor will play 22 characters as the play travels across Iowa toggling between past and present.

Lewis University’s Philip Lynch Theatre Manager Jo Slowik of Joliet directs the play that is about realizing that the journey is as important as the destination. Other members of the production staff include: Andrew Nelsen of Joliet (technical director), Kelsey Papineau of Mazon (stage manager), Austin Jones of Steger (lighting design/operator), Lewis alumnae Luke Murphy of Darien (sound design/operator), and Katie Horn of Sturgis, MI as wardrobe assistant. Front of house management includes Lewis University alumni Jamie Voustros of Chicago, Mike Frale of Elk Grove Village, Lauren Finnegan of , and Robert Kornaus of Plainfield.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and the running time of the production is approximately 2 hours. It is recommended for patrons of all ages. Tickets go on sale Monday, January 13 at 1 p.m. and are $10 general admission, first-come-first-serve seating. Lewis community member tickets are $3 and are non-refundable. Payment is with cash or check only and tickets are not available for purchase online. For more information, call the PLT box office at (815) 836-5500, Monday thru Friday from 1– 4:30 P.M. For more information, patrons can check out the PLT Web site www.lewisu.edu/plt or by e-mailing the box office at boxoffice@lewisu.edu. The Philip Lynch Theatre is located on the main campus of Lewis University on Route 53 in Romeoville.

Lewis University is an innovative and forward-thinking Catholic university offering market-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,500 students. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis University is nationally recognized for preparing intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected and socially responsible graduates. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.