This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Fascinating, unpredictable and adventure: three words the Brownings use to describe their family, although not usually the way one describes a family road trip through Midwestern America. And it’s the small details and seemingly everyday people that take 'Leaving Iowa' from a typical and relatable road trip story to a journey and an adventure.
When Don Browning (Kurt Keilback) returns home to Iowa to see his nephew, his widowed mother (Jennifer Scheidies) finds the cremation urn holding the ashes of her husband (Scott Rochat) which has been in the basement for 3 years. Don then decides to embark on a road trip and find a resting place for his father.
Throughout his journey, 'Leaving Iowa' switches between the present and Don's memories of road trips with his family. He recalls the good moments and the bad ones; the play focuses on what and who is remembered on the journey of your life. For the Brownings, it’s not meeting movie stars, but rather one-armed farmers, store clerks, mechanics and civil war reenactors. And the destination is the “Center of Our Country”.
Both Kurt Keilbach and Renee Malis do an excellent job on stage and they provide a realistic depiction of how brothers and sisters interact with one another during road trips. Scott Rochat and Jennifer Scheidies (as Mom) act well and are cast perfectly for their roles.
Karin Carr and Rob Mess played all minor characters in the production, from an old pair of grandparents to a pair of mechanics to a young flirting couple at the grocery store. These actors are extremely versatile and embody each character as if each part was destined for them. Each of these characters imparts knowledge and makes an impact on Don whether he asks for it or not.
The director, Scott Dunn, was drawn to the simplistic sets and relatable story when reading the script. He designed a simple and versatile set, with four seats and a steering wheel as the car, with a painted country landscape to set the scene. This allows the audience to focus on the characters, dialogue and evolving relationships between members of the Browning family. For dramatic effect, a screen appears behind the actors, to display scenes of semi trucks and scenic landscapes.
'Leaving Iowa’ is a fun and thoroughly enjoyable production which takes the audience on a road trip back through memory lane (that is, if you've been on road trips before). And while the premise may sound depressing, there are plenty of hilarious moments that truly make this performance stand out.
'Leaving Iowa' will show on March 16, 17, 23, 24 at 7:30 pm and March 18, 25 at 2:00 pm. If you are interested in seeing Leaving Iowa, tickets are available at longmonttheatre.org or by calling 303-772-5200. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and youth.
Ellen Anderson also contributed to this article.
