Lemon Sky portrays the struggles faced when two families attempt to blend as one
Kirkwood Community College continues its spring performing arts series with a production of Lemon Sky. This powerful and moving play is set for four performances, April 12-15 in Ballantyne Auditorium. Show times Thursday, Friday and Saturday are at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Lanford Wilson portrays Lemon Sky as a painful autobiography that explores the alienation between a son and his father with rare perception and honesty. The play is set in the late 1950’s, when 17-year-old Alan leaves his Nebraska home to be reunited with his father in an attempt at father-son bonding. Alan’s father left the family when he was a child and now lives with his mistress and their children in California. Alan expects to go to school full-time and work part-time, having accepted his father’s encouragement to do so. Alan’s dreams are put to a halt when his father lies about his love, and the possibility of getting an education.
A New York Times reviewer stated, “Wilson can write. His characters spring alive on stage; he holds our attention, he engages our heart.” Women’s Wear Daily praised Wilson as “one of the very most talented writers in all the American theatres.”
Rick D. Anderson directs the play, with set and lighting design by Shelly Ford and costume design by Annee Noah.
Tickets for Lemon Sky are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students with current ID. Kirkwood students and employees are admitted free. Tickets are available at the door.