New Drama LUCE Plays Meadow Brook Theatre, Now thru 4/12

Luce is an all-star high school student, held up as a role model by everyone around him. He'd had a rough start, living in a war-torn African country before his suburban American parents adopted him. His parents couldn't be prouder or love him more. So when a teacher calls a conference to discuss a disturbing assignment, his mother wants to jump to his defense. But how well do Luce's parents actually know their child? Is he their perfect son, a rebelling teen, or a budding sociopath?

"Luce," a new drama by J. C. Lee, has its Michigan premiere at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University from tonight, March 18 through April 12.

"Everyone wants to think they know their kid would never even consider doing something wrong," Travis W. Walter, MBT artistic director says. "Someone suggests it, and you don't want to hear it. The minute you start to wonder, maybe you see your son or daughter in a different light." Walter and Cheryl Marshall, MBT managing director, saw "Luce" when it was produced at the Lincoln Center in 2013 and knew the southeastern Michigan area would find it as riveting as they had.

Meadow Brook newcomer Leroy Smith Graham plays Luce, while MBT local favorites Sarab Kamoo ("Falling," "White's Lies") and Ron Williams ("Around the World in 80 Days," "White's Lies") play parents, Amy and Peter. Rounding out the cast are Angela G. King from Rochester, as teacher Harriet Carter, and Dana Kreitz, as Stephanie Lin, Luce's classmate.

"Luce" is directed by Travis W. Walter. Terry Carpenter is the stage manager, with set design by Brian Kessler, costumes by Liz Goodall, lighting design by Reid G. Johnson, and sound design by Mike Duncan.

Tickets range from $26 to $41 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.

Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. For additional information, visit www.mbtheatre.com. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for 49 years.

Pictured: Leroy S. Graham. Photo by Rick Smith.

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