Theatre Pro Rata to Open THE ILLUSION This June

On Friday, June 12, Theatre Pro Rata opens The Illusion by Tony Kushner at Park Square Theatre in St. Paul. The play is being produced as part of the inaugural season of the new Andy Boss Thrust Stage and as part of Park Square's Theatres in Residence Series.

Kushner turns his gift for theatricality to comedy in this rapid fire adaptation of the 17th century play L'Illusion Comique by Pierre Corneille. Desperate to discover the fate of his runaway son, Pridamant seeks the aid of the illusionist Alcandre who produces visions of the lost boy. However, the son's name and those of his companions constantly shift along with their location, leaving Pridamant to wonder what to make of it all. Throughout the play, joke-laden dialogue comes fast and furious, bordering on farce, as the son hints at his feelings for his father while simultaneously seeking the love of one woman. And sometimes more than one.

Theatre and film veteran Charles Hubbell stars as the mysterious magician, Alcandre alongside fellow theatre mainstay Paul de Cordova who plays the frantic father. The cast also features Kelsey Cramer, Abby DeSanto, Michael Fell, Bryan Grosso, Ben Tallen, and Tim Uren.

The Illusion is being produced by Theatre Pro Rata as part of Park Square's "Theatres in Residence" Series. Theatre Pro Rata, along with Sandbox Theatre and Girl Friday Productions, will bring diverse aesthetic approaches and artistic forms, fresh talent as well as favorite faces to Park Square's seasons over the next three years. Director and Pro Rata Artistic Director Carin Bratlie said of producing and directing the play under the partnership, "The Illusion is frothy and delightful, but still has the delicious language and wordplay that Pro Rata is known for. I'm looking forward to sharing Kushner's fresh and clever adaptation with Park Square audiences."

Since 2001 Pro Rata, Latin for "in proportion," has produced smart, vivid, varied, and gutsy theater in the Twin Cities. Focusing on the text of the play, the company offers performers and audiences the chance to engage the characters, themes and language more completely. Ranging from classic dramas to modern black comedies, Theatre Pro Rata produces scripts that engender this exploration while still bringing visceral theatrical experiences to the stage.

Recent accolades for Pro Rata include Best Dramatic and Best Supporting Actor honors and Best of Twin Cities Theater for 1984 (2014, Lavender Magazine and City Pages); rave reviews, record-breaking attendance, and multiple BroadwayWorld Award nominations for its production of Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight (2013); T Bone N Weasel being named one of the top ten productions of the year (2012 City Pages).

PERFORMANCES:

Wednesday, June 10 @ 7:30 p.m. (preview performance)

Thursday, June 11 @ 7:30 p.m. (preview performance)

Friday, June 12 @ 7:30 p.m. (OPENING NIGHT)

Saturday, June 13 @ 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 14 @ 2:00 p.m. (ASL interpreted/audio described performance)

Thursday, June 18 @ 7:30 p.m.

Friday, June 19 @ 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 20 @ 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 21 @ 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 25 @ 7:30 p.m.

Friday, June 26 @ 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 27 @ 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 28 @ 2:00 p.m.

All performances play the Park Square Theatre's Andy Boss Thrust Stage, 20 West 7th Place, St. Paul, MN 55102. For more information, visit www.theatreprorata.org. Tickets are $25, reserved seating. To purchase tickets in advance please visit Park Square Theatre's website, parksquaretheatre.org/box-office/shows/the-illusion/ or make reservations by calling the Park Square's box office at (651) 291-7005.

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