Mythology meets New Jersey in this divine comedy when Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, reincarnates as a queer, butch permaculturist and turns a quiet New Jersey neighborhood upside down!
“Hurricane Diane”, an Obie Award-winning comedy by renowned playwright Madeleine George and directed by Portland’s Cassie Greer, opens on April 27 at Linfield University’s Marshall Theatre in Ford Hall.
“Hurricane Diane” brings classic Greek mythology to suburban New Jersey, where four housewives debate how best to landscape their yards. The Greek god Dionysus is reincarnated as Diane, a permaculture gardener who radiates butch charm, and the play asks what it will take to get through to Americans more concerned with social status and trappings of wealth than their impact on the environment.
As Diane wields queer charm to convince these women to help her return the Earth to its natural state, a rising storm threatens a bacchanalian catharsis. The New York Times described it as “an astonishing new play … that whirls ancient myth, lesbian pulp, ecological thriller and The Real Housewives of Monmouth County into a perfect storm of timely tragicomedy.”
Cast members include Ellie Gossett, Kaitlin Hardwood, Shayden Lough, Sydney Monroe, and Alexandra Newberger. Scenic design is by Derek Lane, costume design by Laurel Peterson, lighting design by Nikos Rictor, and sound design by Robert Turner. Tanner Coulter is the stage manager.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. April 27-29 and May 4-5, with a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday, May 6 in the Marshall Theatre in Ford Hall, off Lever Street in McMinnville. (Ford Hall Location) Tickets range from $8-12 and will be available online starting April 12. For more information on this and other Linfield Theatre offerings, visit linfield.edu/arts/theatre.html or call 503-883-2292.
Please note that strobe effects, fog and haze are used in this production. It may not be suitable for all audiences due to mature themes. “Hurricane Diane” is staged through the generosity of Ronni Lacroute as part of the Lacroute Arts Series. This production is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. (www.concordtheatricals.com).
Special Events:
April 27: Opening night fundraiser for Henderson House
Proceeds from ticket sales for opening night will be donated to Henderson House, Yamhill County’s domestic violence shelter. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Linfield Theatre supports the mission of Henderson House to provide culturally aware outreach, education, and services for victims of domestic and sexual violence through leadership, hope, and respect for thriving families.
April 27: Meet the guest director
There will be a reception after the opening night performance to meet the guest director, Cassie Greer. Light refreshments and wine will be served.
May 4 post–show panel: “Environmental Responsibility in the Modern Age”
A post–show panel featuring guest director Cassie Greer, Associate Professor of Theatre Lindsey Mantoan, and Professor of English Dave Sumner. The panel will take up questions related to the wildness of nature and humanity, what we owe to the planet, and the tension between social expectations of modern living and stewardship of the land. What might it look like to queer our approach to climate change and our relations to each other? The panel discussion is free but tickets are required to attend the performance.
Location, Parking, and Accessibility:
To reach Kenneth W. Ford Hall from Highway 99W in south McMinnville, turn east on Keck Drive at Albertsons. Take Keck Drive to Lever Street and turn right. Take the next immediate right at Ford Drive into the theatre parking lot. Ford Hall is located at the west end of the parking lot. The Marshall Theatre is handicap accessible. Please contact the box office for help with accessible seating. For more information, call 503-883-2292.
Box office:
Tickets are available online now and the box office will open April 25 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 for full price; $10 for seniors (62+) and Linfield faculty and staff (two tickets per ID); and $8 for students 16+ (any school, one ticket per ID). Seating is reserved. Please call 503-883-2802 for more information.
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