On stage and under the stars: Crooked Figure Theatre Company’s summer lineup

Crooked Figure Theatre Company's Emily Wood as the Fool, and Ben Alexander as King Lear.

June 20, 2019

Crooked Figure Theatre Company will bring to life ancient stories with modern issues this summer as part of its 2019 season. The Northern Arizona University-sponsored company will perform at unique locations in Mayer, Flagstaff and Sedona with the goal of telling both old and new stories in culturally relevant and imaginative ways.

Carol Ann Duffy’s “Everyman” performed at Arcosanti July 12

A staged reading of playwright Carol Ann Duffy’s adaptation of the 15th-century morality play “Everyman” kicks off the company’s fourth season at 7 p.m. on July 12 at Arcosanti’s open-air amphitheater.

“In this high-energy reimagining of the medieval morality play, Everyman is forced to account for his materialistic, hedonistic lifestyle when confronted by Death,” director Christina Gutierrez-Dennehy said. “Directly confronting our modern technology-driven lifestyles, the play asks highly current questions about morals and meaning.” 

Tickets for “Everyman” are a suggested $10 donation at the door. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting Arcosanti’s event page. Arcosanti is at 13555 S. Cross L Road in Mayer, Arizona.

Shakespear’s “King Lear” at Lowell Observatory July 21 & 28 and at El Portal Sedona Hotel July 26-27

Later in July, Crooked Figure Theatre Company presents the William Shakespeare tragedy “King Lear.” The play traces Lear’s descent into anxiety, paranoia and schizophrenia after banishing his youngest daughter. The cast’s performance will explore the issues of mental health, parenthood and leadership.

Flagstaff performances of “King Lear” are at 6:30 p.m. on July 21 and 28 at Lowell Observatory located at 1400 W. Mars Hill Road.

“King Lear” performances in Sedona are at 6 p.m. on July 26-27 at the El Portal Hotel at 95 Portal Lane.

Tickets for “King Lear” are a suggested $20 donation for the public and a $10 suggested donation for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the door for both events.

Crooked Figure Theatre Company is a site-specific summer stock company housed within the Northern Arizona University Department of Theatre. The theatre company’s leadership consists of NAU faculty members, while most of the actors, designers and technicians are drawn from current students or recent graduates. Visit the Crooked Figure Theatre Facebook page to learn more about the company.

Cheyenne Jarrette