EIU Play "Lonely Planet" Presented in Memory of Late Effingham Resident

(LOIS JONES AND JOEDY HIGHTOWER, MOTHER AND SISTER OF JOHN K. HIGHTOWER, MEET WITH DIRECTOR J. KEVIN DOOLEN AND J. SAIN, CHAIR OF THE E-I-U THEATRE DEPARTMENT'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. FROM LEFT: J. KEVIN DOOLEN, LOIS JONES, JOEDY HIGHTOWER AND J. SAIN)

Eastern Illinois University’s Department of Theatre Arts will kick-off their 2014-2015 performance season with Steve Dietz’s play Lonely Planet. The production is being presented as part of the EIU Theatre Department’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Lonely Planet will be presented at 7:30 p.m. beginning September 10 and continuing through September 13. There will be a special 2 p.m. matinee on September 14. Tickets are available now at the Doudna Fine Arts Center Box Office.

 Lonely Planet is a two character play that is a celebration of friendship during the age of AIDS.  Written in 1994, the play tells the story of Jody and Carl, two men who live in an unnamed American city. The play was written during the midst of the AIDS epidemic, which is the central focus of the story, though ultimately the play sends the message that one should pay attention to the world around them and realize its problems rather than ignore the problems around them.  The production is for mature audiences due to adult content and themes.

 Directed by EIU theatre faculty member J. Kevin Doolen, the play is being presented in memory of John K. Hightower, a graduate of Eastern’s Class of 1978 and former roommate of the director.  “John was a good friend of mine and I am dedicating my work on the production to his memory,” said Doolen.

 Andi Lyons is the guest lighting designer and Greg Poljacik is the guest fight choreographer.

 The production is made possible through partial funding from the John K. Hightower Memorial Fund. Lonely Planet is produced by special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service, Inc.

 In addition to the production, a number of activities will celebrate 50 years of EIU Theatre as a stand alone department (formerly Speech & Theatre until 1964) including the dedication of the Globe Studio (formerly the Movement Studio), and the dedication of the Nancy Paule Chandler Memorial Plaque in the Costume Shop. Over 80 alumni are returning to campus for the events and will attend the Saturday evening performance of Lonely Planet.

 Tickets for the Lonely Planet are $12 for general audience members, $10 for seniors (62+) and $5 for students.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.eiu.edu/doudna or at the Doudna Fine Arts Center Box Office.  Box Office hours areTuesday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and one hour prior to the scheduled performance.

 For Doudna reservations and information, or to arrange accommodations for those needing special assistance, contact Doudna Fine Art Patron Services at 217-581-3110 or  doudnatix@eiu.edu.