Commonweal Theatre Company Presents THE DRAWER BOY, 9/15-11/11

The Commonweal Theatre Company presents Michael Healey's drama, The Drawer Boy, September 15th through November 11th with discounted tickets available for previews September 7th to September 14th. Call the box office at 800-657-7025 or visit Commonweal Theatre online at www.commonwealtheatre.org for exact performance dates and times.

This heartwarming story begins when a young actor arrives at the doorstep of two bachelor farmers to research his next role – but what he learns is a secret that could destroy a life-long friendship. Hailed by Time magazine as "a new classic", The Drawer Boy has won the Dora Award for best new play (1999), a Chalmers Canadian Playwriting Award, and the Governor General's Literary Award. 

This newest Commonweal production is directed by Leah Cooper, a freelance stage director and Executive Director of the Minnesota Theater Alliance. Her most recent directing credits in the Twin Cities include Independence at Theatre in the Round, After Miss Julie at Gremlin Theatre, and August:Osage County at Park Square. "It's a completely beautiful play," says Cooper of The Drawer Boy, "that takes us on a journey of memory and heartache and love so gently and so humorously."

The two bachelor farmers in the story, Morgan and Angus, will be played by Commonweal resident artists David Hennessey and Hal Cropp. The role of Miles, the young actor who comes to learn about farm-life, will be portrayed by Ethan Bjelland, a member of this year's Commonweal Apprentice Company. Carolyn Fast serves as stage manager and leads the production team consisting of designers Kit Mayer (sets), Janis Martin (costumes), Jason Underferth (lights), Daniel Stock (sound), and Megan Pence (props).

The Commonweal's production of The Drawer Boy is produced in cooperation with the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, Inc. through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature. The Commonweal also thanks Production Sponsors of The Drawer Boy, AgStar Financial Services and F&M Community Bank.

Additional underwriting support from F&M Community Bank makes possible special weekday matinee performances for school groups, which also include a study guide, video materials, pre-show classroom workshop, and post-performance discussion with the actors. Additionally, thanks to a contribution from the Land O'Lakes Foundation supporting a Food Drive, students can receive free admission to all student matinee performances of The Drawer Boy with the donation of a food item. All ticket buyers can also receive a $5 discount off the adult ticket price to regularly scheduled performances of The Drawer Boy with the donation of fresh produce or a non-perishable food item brought to The Commonweal Box Office. All food donations will go to support local Food Shelves.

Funding for Commonweal Theatre's programming is provided in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and private funders. All performances are at The Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Avenue North, in downtown Lanesboro. Ticket prices are $30 with discounts available for students and groups of ten or more. Employees and residents of Fillmore and Houston Counties are offered free admission to the preview performance on Thursday, September 13th and are asked to bring an item for the Food Drive in exchange for that ticket. For ticket reservations or information about any Commonweal events or programs, call 800-657-7025 or 507-467-2905, or email tickets@commonwealtheatre.org.