EOU theatre presents poignant drama “Rabbit Hole”

Kenn Wheeler photo / Nicole Terril, left, and Kelsy Carson play sisters Becca and Izzy in “Rabbit Hole.”

EOU theatre presents poignant drama about grief & loss

Contact: Kenn Wheeler | Associate Professor of Theatre
541-962-3318 | kwheeler@eou.edu

February 5, 2014
LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – How does one overcome the grief of losing a child? David Lindsay-Abaire tackles this tough question in his Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Rabbit Hole,” opening at EOU Feb. 6-8 and 13-15.

Performances are at 7 each night in Schwarz Theatre in Loso Hall.

“Rabbit Hole” centers on Becca and Howie Corbett who have everything a family could want until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down.

As the couple begins drifting perilously apart, the play charts their bittersweet search for comfort in the darkest of places, and for a path that will lead them back into the light of day.

Lindsay-Abaire penned the drama after Marsha Norman, his teacher at Julliard, urged him to write a play about something that frightened him. Drawing on his experience as a father, Lindsay-Abaire began shaping a story about a husband and wife who lose their only child in a freak car accident.

Heather Tomlinson, assistant professor of theatre and costume designer, is making her directorial debut with this emotional piece. Her reasons for choosing the play are personal.

“Having gone through the loss of a child myself, I thought the playwright painted an accurate picture of the grieving process and how it can alter your life,” Tomlinson explained. “I feel as though death and grief is glazed over in our society. It is brushed aside and not freely talked about, especially the death of an infant or child. I wanted to be able to share this story with others and perhaps open up those channels of communication.”

Senior theatre major Nicole Terrill is taking on the role of Becca, with recent theatre graduate Jonathan Phipps portraying her husband Howie.

Junior Caitlin Burke is playing Becca’s mother, Nat, and senior Kelsy Carson is Izzy, Becca’s irresponsible but well-wishing sister.

Rounding out the cast is sophomore Josh Byers playing Jason Willette, the 17-year-old who accidentally hit the Corbett’s son, Danny, with his car.

Designers include Michael Heather, scenery and lights, Tomlinson, doing triple duty with costumes and sound, and senior Daniel Wagner with properties. Jessica Desclos, also a senior, is the production stage manager.

This contemporary drama contains mature language and subject matter. Audience discretion is advised.

Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for seniors, students and active or retired military. Call 541-962-3757 for reservations or purchase tickets online at ticketpeak.com/eou.