COF Joins Sun Valley Center for the Arts' BIG IDEA Project

The Company of Fools (COF) will join the Sun Valley Center for the Arts' BIG IDEA multidisciplinary project, Under the Influence: Rock & Roll, with a free reading of the play Graceland by Ellen Byron. Two readings will be offered at The Center in Ketchum: Saturday, January 17, and Sunday January 18, both at 6:30pm.

As Under the Influence of Rock & Roll celebrates how rock & roll has helped shape our musical and social heritage, Byron's Graceland explores the impact of arguably the greatest American rock & roll icon, Elvis Presley. The play is set at the front entrance of Graceland, the late Elvis Presley's Memphis mansion, at five o'clock in the morning, three days before the estate is to be opened to the public. Two ardent Presley fans, Bev and Rootie, are camped out before the gates, each determined to be the first to enter the sacred precincts. What starts as a contentious rivalry between two seemingly opposing personalities progresses to compassion and understanding as the two wait for the big moment.

"This sweet, funny play centers around how Elvis Presley has become a beacon of hope and meaning for these two characters." said Denise Simone, Company of Fools' Core Company Artist, "Throughout history we have projected unto our star idols their ability to hold the answers to our life."

The reading features Company Artists and audience favorites Jana Arnold as Bev Davies and Russell Wilson as Rootie Mallert under Andrew Alburger's direction.

Space is limited-please reserve your free seat in advance online at www.sunvalleycenter.org or call 208.726.9491.