"A Great Wilderness" Touches On Timely Themes At Beck Center

Beck Center for the Arts proudly presents the regional premiere of "A Great Wilderness" March 3 through April 9, 2017 in the intimate Studio Theater. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are now on sale. Buy early and save with promo code: NATURE to receive $5 off each adult/senior ticket purchased by March 2.

Written by 2014 MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Samuel D. Hunter, "A Great Wilderness" begins with Walt as he prepares for a reluctant retirement. After decades as the gentle–natured leader of a Christian retreat that endeavors to "cure" gay teens, Walt is packing up his life when Daniel arrives. Soon after, Daniel disappears into the Idaho wilderness, leading to a truly explosive turn of events. With profound humanity, this play navigates complex moral terrain, and explores the inconstant strength of our personal convictions. 

Beck Center Artistic Director Scott Spence is excited to direct this timely play and talented cast. “Theatre is always at its best when it can hold up a mirror to society,” remarked Spence. “'A Great Wilderness' tells the story of a man's awakening just as his waning years are hitting him like a truck. It provides the sort of reflection we all can benefit from these days.” The cast includes Bryan Byers, Heidi Harris, Lenne Snively, Kelly Strand, and Tim Tavcar. Christian John Thomas makes his Beck Center debut following performances at Carnegie Hall and 54 Below in NYC. Harris and Snively appear courtesy of the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA).

A post–performance Talk–Back focusing on the various themes within the play will take place in partnership with the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. Specific details will be announced shortly on beckcenter.org.

Tickets are $31 for adults, $27 for seniors (65 and older), and $12 for students with a valid I.D. A $3 service fee per ticket will be applied at time of purchase. Preview Night on Thursday, March 2 is $10 with general admission seating. Group discounts are available for parties of four or more. Purchase tickets online at beckcenter.org or call Customer Service at 216.521.2540 x10. Beck Center for the Arts is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, just ten minutes west of downtown Cleveland. Free onsite parking is available.

This production of "A Great Wilderness" is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. It is generously sponsored by the residents of Cuyahoga County through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and the Ohio Arts Council.