Theatre Cedar Rapids to Host Final Show in Temp. Location

By Mark Geary, Reporter

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By Mark Geary

Story Created: Jan 12, 2010 at 9:40 PM CST

Story Updated: Jan 12, 2010 at 10:21 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Theatre Cedar Rapids plans to return to its downtown home by staging a production of "The Producers" on February 29th. But that return means saying goodbye to the theater's home away from home.

For the past year and a half, Theatre Cedar Rapids has held performances at a temporary location near Lindale Mall.

As Theatre Cedar Rapids' cast and crew rehearse "The Laramie Project," memories of the flood still feel fresh in their minds.

"The flood taught us the theater is way more than just a building,” Theatre Cedar Rapids Community Relations Director Rob Merritt said.

Director Jason Alberty said, "I was down there when the place flooded and it was devastating. There was a moment where people weren't really sure whether we'd be able to continue."

But, the theatre did continue here. The group has hosted eleven productions over the past year and a half in the makeshift space.

"I think we're always going to appreciate what we had out here,” Merritt said.

Alberty said, "There's something about doing theater is a space that's not meant for theater that sort of gets to the root of drama."

"The Laramie Project" aims to teach people a lesson as well. The play spawned from the controversial beating and death of gay college student Matthew Shepard. Protestors plan to picket the show's opening night.

"People who come out and protest this show are creating an irony I don't think they fully understand. They are protesting this show because of hate. This show is about hate,” Alberty said.

The show is also about a community coming together to overcome a tragedy....It’s a theme and scenario that will certainly connect with people in eastern Iowa.

"The Laramie Project" opens this weekend. Tickets are available in advance or at the door.

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