One of the most critically acclaimed plays produced in the past few years, Bruce Norris’ “Clybourne Park” was presented by MCC’s Overbrook Players on Feb. 12-16 in Overbrook Theater.
The hilariously unsettling comedy – inspired by Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 play “A Raisin in the Sun” – features a battle over race and real estate and rages across two generations in a suburban Chicago neighborhood. “Clybourne Park” puts a modern twist on issues of race, class, property ownership and discrimination, gentrification, and political correctness. The play contains strong language and mature subject.
Approaching contemporary issues of race, class and community through the form of satire is complicated and intentionally provocative. “Clybourne Park” encourages audience members to question societal attitudes and examine their own positions and actions through a style of humor that can be both unsettling and uncomfortable.
Since its premier in February 2010 at Playwrights Horizons in New York, the comedy has received the 2010 Critics’ Circle, 2011 Olivier Award for Best New Play, the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the 2012 Tony Award for Best Play.
The play was performed at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday-Saturday, Feb. 12-15, and closed with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Feb. 16.
Tickets are $5 for MCC students and employees and $10 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased at the Overbook Theater Box Office. For more information, call (231) 777-0324 or visit www.muskegoncc.edu/theater.
This production features Equity Actors and MCC Alumni, Anette Bach and David Doering. Also featured are MCC students Austin Howard, Tyana Gilbert, Michael Pollock, Tre Perry, Lucas Roetter , and Tayler Zuidema. Deanne Runions serves as Student Assistant Director/Stage Manager. Sheila Kulp Wahamaki directs with designs by Tom Harryman, Susan Eyler, Clyde Sheets, and Brian Goodman.
On Thursday, Feb. 13, MCC Instructor Mary Tyler will offer pre-show commentary at 6:45 p.m. in the Overbrook Gallery. That same evening, MCC alumni are invited to a pre-play reception from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Overbrook Gallery. For more information on the reception, please contact the Alumni Relations Office at (231) 777-0461.
During the run of “Clybourne Park,” House of Dreams, a community participation art project, will be located in the Overbrook Theater Lobby. Audience members will be encouraged to share their dreams for their communities.
Community Talk Back Panel Feb. 18
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, a Community Talk Back Panel will take place at 6:30 p.m. in MCC’s Blue and Gold Room. The event is free and open to the public. The panelist include: Floyd Cook, Institute for Healing Racism; Ciggzree Morris, Ciggzree Morris, Realty Inc.; Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga, Community encompass; and Tom Harryman, MCC Center for Theater.