Kate Drost as Catherine and Michael Seufert as Hal go over the proof in a scene from Monmouth College's upcoming production of "Proof," a Pulitzer Prize winning drama that will be performed Nov. 16 through Nov. 19 at the college's Wells Theater. Drost is a freshman from Naperville and Seufert is a senior from Lansing.

[print quality version]

MONMOUTH, Ill. — Monmouth College’s 2006-2007 theater season continues with David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Proof.” Performances will be Nov. 16 through 18 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. at the college’s Wells Theater.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. They may be reserved by contacting the theater at 309-457-3095 or by e-mailing theater@monm.edu.

“Proof,” which also received the 2001 Tony Award for Best Play, concerns Catherine (played by Kaytlyn Drost of Naperville), the daughter of Robert (Michael Heaton of Canton), a mathematical genius and university professor, and her struggle with mathematical genius and mental illness. It is the story of an enigmatic young woman haunted by her father’s past and the shadow of her own future. The play’s title refers partially to a mathematical proof whose authorship and ownership come into question. The ensuing search for the truth tests Catherine’s relationship with her estranged sister, Claire (Stephanie Hass of Pittsfield), shakes the fragile foundations of her relationship with Hal (Michael Seufert of Lansing) and forces a confrontation with her fear of self-ownership. James Shepard of Chicago and Mark Shoemaker of Monmouth will provide artistic images as members of the artistic company.

“Proof” premiered at the Manhattan Theatre Club in May of 2000 and opened on Broadway five months later. A screen adaptation in 2005 starred Anthony Hopkins and Gwyneth Paltrow (who earlier played Catherine on the London stage).

Directing the Monmouth College production is Janeve West, assistant professor of communication and theater arts. Prior to joining the faculty this year, West spent three years as an instructor, director and actor for The Omaha Theater Company. Serving as stage manager and assistant stage manager, respectively, are junior Valerie Key of Glen Ellyn and sophomore Apryl Wishecoby of Berwyn.

The Monmouth College student organization Coalition for Women’s Awareness will provide an informational lobby display that focuses on famous women working in math and science. A display of photographic images and informational responses focusing on the correlation between math and art will also be presented by freshmen Stephanie Matushek of Homewood and Kelsey Graham of Colchester.

Following the Nov. 16 performance, the theater department will bring back an opening night tradition at the college by hosting a gathering at which the issues, topics and techniques of the production will be discussed. It will be held in The Underground, a coffeehouse in the lower level of Grier Hall.