Photo Flash: Theatre Three Presents CEDAR SPRINGS OR BIG SCARY ANIMALS

An older white couple from the country unknowingly moves to the gayborhood in Dallas to be closer to their granddaughter. What begins as polite dinner conversation with their gay, multi-ethnic neighbors careens out of control. A hilarious collision of race, sex, guns and sports, playwright Matt Lyle examines shifting generational beliefs and just how hard it is to raise a child regardless of who you are and where you live.

"The play is about 6 people from very different backgrounds and 'tribes' (rural/urban, liberal/conservative, black/white, old/young, gay/straight)," explains Lyle, "Who are forced to relate as individuals when they normally wouldn't. I know I often stay in my bubble because it's easier. Straying can be hard, funny, rewarding and very messy."

"I'm thrilled to be working with Matt and to introduce his work to our patrons," says Theatre Three Artistic Director Jeffrey Schmidt. "His play has it all. Race, religion, sex, politics, and guns. It's knock down, drag out funny, but still manages to be searingly critical and insightful about the ever present Culture Clash in American society."

"The show examines the thought that there is no one you can't learn to love once you've heard their story," Lyle continues. "I wish that was always true and I think the play communicates that hope while admitting the limitations."

Cedar Springs or Big Scary Animals is directed by Theatre Three Artistic Director Jeffrey Schmidt with Richard Quandri as Assistant Director. The cast includes Charlotte Akin (Connie), John S. Davies (Donald), Chad Cline (Clark), Wilbur Penn (Marcus), Alle Mims (Sophia), and Jaxon Beeson (Ronnie).

September 7 - October 1, 2017

Performances: Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays - Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.;

Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $35-40 and are on sale:

• online at Theatre3Dallas.com

• by phone at 214.871.3300, option #1

• in person at the Theatre Three Box Office

$3 off seniors/military

$3 off each ticket for groups of 10 or more

$5 off tickets to KERA members

$15 student rush (valid ID required)

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Schmidt

John S. Davies as Donald, Chad Cline as Clark and Charlotte Akin as Rhonda

Alle Mims as Sophia, Wilbur Penn as Marcus, John S. Davies as Donald, Charlotte Akin as Rhonda and Jaxon Beeson as Ronnie

Wilbur Penn as Marcus, Chad Cline as Clark, Alle Mims as Sophia and John S. Davies as Donald. Photo by Jeffrey Schmidt

Jaxon Beeson as Ronnie and Alle Mims as Sophia

Alle Mims as Sophia and Jaxon Beeson as Ronnie