FIVE MILE LAKE and PURPLE LIGHTS OF JOPPA ILLINOIS Coming Up at SCR Tonight

South Coast Rep is looking forward to back-to-back openings: Five Mile Lake by Rachel Bonds and The Purple Lights of Joppa Illinois by Adam Rapp (limited engagement, Nicholas Studio). Both shows are part of the 17th Pacific Playwrights Festival. Learn more below!

Five Mile Lake

Press Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20, at 2 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., Julianne Argyros Stage

One stayed in town, the other headed for the big city. When siblings Rufus and Jamie reunite in Five Mile Lake-a world premiere play by Rachel Bonds-you'll find out about the family ties that bind and other dynamics that come between the brothers: Jamie has stayed in the family's hometown; Rufus is visiting from New York City.

The Purple Lights of Joppa Illinois

Nicholas Studio-general admission seating is limited, on first-come, first-served basis.

• Friday, April 25, 8 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27, 2:30 and 8 p.m.
• Thursday and Friday, May 1-2, 8 p.m.
• Saturday, May 3, 2:30 and 8 p.m.
• Sunday, May 4, 2:30 p.m.

The Purple Lights of Joppa Illinois, a new work by Pulitzer Prize finalist Adam Rapp, was featured earlier this season in a NewSCRipts reading at SCR. The play looks at loss, regret and the tenacity of hope. It's the story of Ellis Shook, who lives alone in a small duplex apartment in Paducah, Kentucky, just across the Illinois border. He works nights buffing floors, keeps to himself-and always remembers to take his medication. But when two teenage girls arrive at his doorstep one autumn afternoon, their visit will force him to confront a tragic past while also offering him a glimpse of hope. This full production is a special part of SCR's 50th Season celebration.

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