Event

Reflections of a Rock Lobster

Southwest Premier: Canyon Moon Theatre & Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy Team

Reflections of a Rock Lobster is directed by Canyon Moon Theatres founder Mary Guaraldi and adapted for the stage by Burgess Clark.

The year is 1980 and Aaron Fricke is gay. Being gay makes Aaron different. With that stigma, he is subjected daily to violence and rejectionleaving him feeling dejected and with thoughts of suicide. Rising from his despair, Aaron strikes back by suing his Rhode Island high school for the right to escort his boyfriend to the prom. By standing up for his personal and civil rights and for refusing to apologize for who he is, Aaron not only wins in court, but he also wins in the hearts and minds of his peers and his community.

The Boston Globe says Reflections of a Rock Lobster is engrossing, touching, and frequently funny" andBroadwayWorld called It an important play with a strong, affirming message."

This is the plays Western United States premiere. Guaraldi works with the Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academys (FALA) theater and creative writing educator Mike Levin in a unique production combining FALA student actors with adult actors from Flagstaff and Sedonaa total of 39 actors comprise the cast.

In the tradition of The Diary of Anne Frank and To Kill a Mockingbird, this play deals with issues of bullying and bigotry, said Guaraldi. As we all know, these issues are, unfortunately, still very present and relevant today. Im especially delighted to work on a project that shines a light on the history of bigotry so that we can work together to understand, and eradicate its stubborn place in our present world. FALA students, and their outstanding, Viola-award winning theater teacher Mike Levin, are the perfect partners for this endeavor.

The audience, cast, and members of the NAU community are invited to participate in talkbacks after the Fri. and Sat. evening performances.

Mature Themes and Language