AU theatre performing “The Complete History of America” from Nov. 5-7
ASHLAND, Ohio – The Ashland University Department of Theatre will present four performances of “The Complete History of America (abridged),” a political comedy recapping 600 years of history in 6,000 seconds, from Thursday, Nov. 5, through Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Studio Theatre in the Center for the Arts. The Thursday and Friday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday will consist of a twin bill with a matinee at 2 p.m. and the fourth and final show at 7:30 p.m.
“The Complete History of America (abridged),” originally written by Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor in 1999 and newly updated through the 2024 election, is a fast-paced, political satire exploring the story of our nation and inviting the audience to consider who we hope to become. The high-energy, 90-minute program parodies landmark events and figures, from Amerigo Vespucci’s naming of the New World to contemporary conspiracy theories.
Director Kimberly LaCroix describes the show as “joyful and resilient,” adding that “in a climate of normalized political division, this show aims to bring people together.”
The cast includes vocal performance major Isla Donley of Mansfield, Ohio, education major Kallie Foote of Norton, Ohio, history and religion major Hannah Miller of Ashland, Ohio, and integrated math education major Caris Wedge of Maumee, Ohio. The show also features contributions from professional Ohio-based theater artists, including scenic design by Todd Plone, lighting design by Aaron James Nicolas and costume design by AU alumnus Justin Bilewicz III.
“The Complete History of America (abridged)” is produced by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing, Inc. NYC.
Tickets can be purchased at ashland.edu/performing-arts-tickets, from the AU Campus Store and at the door prior to performances. Tickets are $2 for AU students, $5 for non-AU students and $10 for adults, faculty/staff and senior citizens.
For more information, contact Kimberly LaCroix, assistant professor of theatre and artistic director of theatre at AU, at klacroi2@ashland.edu.