October 21, 2024

Fall play brings intrigue this weekend to Schoolcraft College

two people talking on a stage set like a brick building

“Proof,” which opens Friday in the James R. Hartman Theatre, holds big ideas of greatness, madness, romance and mystery wrapped in family drama, as the discovery of a mysterious notebook raises questions of Catherine’s own genius – or madness.

The Schoolcraft College Theatre Department and the James R. Hartman Theatre are proud to announce the Fall semester production of “Proof” by David Auburn.

Directed by faculty member Paul Beer, “Proof” is the story of Catherine on the eve of her 25th birthday. She is in the home of her father Robert, a once-brilliant mathematician, following his death. Catherine cared for Robert in his final years as he descended into mental instability, and this weekend, she must confront his funeral, her estranged sister Claire who comes to “help,” and Hal, Robert’s graduate student who is combing through Robert’s old notebooks, hoping to find some undiscovered bit of brilliance left behind.

This play holds big ideas of greatness, madness, romance and mystery wrapped in family drama, as the discovery of a mysterious notebook raises questions of Catherine’s own genius – or madness.

“The play’s dialogue is remarkably real; these characters exist in three dimensions as we watch them cope with grief and love and discovery,” Beer said. “I’m thrilled to have a talented cast and crew of students and alumni bring this story to life!”

The show is well-known with plenty of accolades to its name: “Proof” won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize, as well as a Tony Award for Best Play.

Cast and crew members are a mix of Schoolcraft students and alumni, some returning to the stage, and some performing with the ensemble for the first time.

“I’m always pleased to have alumni stay connected to our theatre program, and to introduce new and talented students to our audience,” Beer said.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25, 26, Nov. 1 and 2. A matinee performance will take place at 2 p.m. Oct. 27. All performances will take place in the James R. Hartman Theatre, located in room 500 inside the Liberal Arts Building at Schoolcraft College.

General admission seats are $20 ($15 for students). Tickets are available online at schoolcraft.edu/theatre or by calling 734-462-4596.

“Proof” is the first of three productions for Schoolcraft Theatre this year. A Night of One-Act Plays (featuring plays by David Lindsay-Abaire, Joseph Zettelmaier, and Michael Alan Herman) is coming in February 2025, and Samuel Hunter’s “Clarkston” will take the stage in April 2025.


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