Riveting Production of MUD Coming to Raue Center for the Arts

Raue Center For The Arts is excited to announce two performances of the heartwarming tragedy "MUD" at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on May 6, 2017. A provocative play by Cuban-born playwright Maria Irene Fornés, "MUD" deals with themes of illiteracy, poverty and hunger.

Mae and Lloyd live in bleak rural poverty. Hopeful and hard-working Mae is going to school and yearns for a better life. Lloyd spends his time scorning book learning and belittling Mae for her aspirations. When Lloyd becomes ill, Mae brings their simple, yet dignified, neighbor Henry home with her in order to help her read Lloyd's prescriptions.

The ensuing love/hate triangle that brews between the three sets into motion a series of dark and disturbing events that audiences won't soon forget. In "MUD," Fornés has created a stark and uncompromising drama. Each of the three characters is filled with a longing desire and hope, even as the unpredictable world around them offers little compassion. The captivating and unforgiving world created by Fornés in "MUD" is a sight to see and hard to turn away from.

"MUD" was developed at by Studio Members at The Actors Studio, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of actors, playwrights and directors. Starring Beth Manspeizer, Marc Solomon and Jerry Zellers, "MUD" was recently directed by Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons (perhaps best known for her role of Roseanne's mother on "Roseanne) at New York's acclaimed Actors Studio.

"Fornés is one of the most well-known playwrights in both Hispanic-American and experimental theatre. She has won a total of nine Obie Awards, an amazing achievement," says Raue Center Executive Director Richard Kuranda. "We produced her extensively at Signature Theater and I am thrilled to be able to bring in the team from The Actors Studio to present this piece, which explores not only the power of a strong female character, but also the immense power of poverty. It's a remarkable piece of work and if you love theatre, you won't want to miss this incredibly unique experience."

Tickets start at $20 and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or at 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 16 years, they have provided quality programming - striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional Showcase Theatre named for its benefactor-Lucile Raue-Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Ill., is a gathering place for our region's citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter and twitter.com/RaueCenter.