Social issues come to light in latest theater production

NAU Theater

NAU Theater will explore political and economic issues in Joan Holden’s Nickel and Dimed, staged Nov. 18-Dec. 4 in the Studio Theater.

The play is based on the book, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America by Barbara Ehrenreich. The story follows as the author tries to understand the hardships and financial difficulties of the working class in America.

“What we see onstage is Barbara’s journey,” said Season Ellison, director of the play and visiting assistant professor of theater. “We hope that people will leave talking about what we can do as a community to deal with working-class issues.”

The ensemble cast features Alli Ritter as Barbara. Multiple roles are played by theater students Katie GardeaSarah GoeweyMegan HansenWillie HinesWoody LottsTravis MarsalaTony MoschettiChelsea Schinker and Taylor Venezio.

A free panel discussion about the cultural and political concerns the play raises will be held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in the Liberal Arts bldg., room 136.

The discussion will feature Miquelle Scheier, program manager for the Coconino Rural Environment Corps; John Eastwood, economics and statistics lecturer at NAU; David McIntire, permanent affordability administrator for the city of Flagstaff Housing Program; and Jason Matteson, philosophy lecturer at NAU. It will be moderated by Constance DeVereaux, senior lecturer in humanities and coordinator of the Program in Arts and Cultural Management.

The play does contain strong language, and it runs at 8 p.m. Nov. 18, 19, 30, and Dec. 1, 2, and 3, and at 2 p.m. Nov. 20 and Dec. 4.

Tickets are $2 for NAU students, $14 for NAU employees and seniors and $16 for general admission. Tickets are available through the Central Ticketing Office at (928) 523-5661. Free parking is available in parking lot P13 and paid parking is available in the parking garage at Knoles and Riordan Ranch Road.