“EXCELLENT…Beck’s production is OUTSTANDING” – Cool Cleveland “PERFECTLY CAST…a thinking person's play that will open up dialogue” – Talkin' Broadway Cleveland “GRIPPING…delivers everything with a much appreciated naturalness” – Cleveland Jewish News “BOLD…has a good wit” – Cleveland SCENE Magazine A GREAT WILDERNESS By Samuel D. Hunter Recipient of the 2014 MacArthur Genius Grant Fellowship Directed by Scott Spence March 3 – April 9, 2017 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays 3 p.m. Sundays TALK–BACK: Friday, March 31 beckcenter.org<http://www.beckcenter.org/events/great-wilderness/> Beck Center for the Arts proudly presents the regional premiere of A Great Wilderness March 3 through April 9, 2017 in the intimate Studio Theater. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. Written by 2014 MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Samuel D. Hunter, A Great Wilderness begins with Walt as he prepares for a reluctant retirement. After decades as the gentle–natured leader of a Christian retreat that endeavors to "cure" gay teens, Walt is packing up his life when Daniel arrives. Soon after, Daniel disappears into the Idaho wilderness, leading to a truly explosive turn of events. With profound humanity, this play navigates complex moral terrain, and explores the inconstant strength of our personal convictions. Strong content. A timely Talk–Back<http://www.beckcenter.org/events/a-timely-talk-back/> will immediately follow the 8 p.m. performance of A Great Wilderness on Friday, March 31. This daring drama addresses issues currently appearing in the daily news. It not only explores LGBTQ conversion therapy, but reflects the ongoing challenges that come with prejudices still evident today. Our panelists will speak to these issues and other relevant topics. About the panelists: § Ryan Clopton–Zymler, Community Relations Manager, The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland § Gwen Stembridge, Northeast Ohio Coordinator, Equality Ohio § Scott Spence, Artistic Director and A Great Wilderness Director, Beck Center for the Arts § Tim Tavcar, A Great Wilderness Cast Member Tickets are $31 for adults, $27 for seniors (65 and older), and $12 for students with a valid I.D. A $3 service fee per ticket will be applied at time of purchase. Group discounts are available for parties of four or more. Purchase tickets online at beckcenter.org or call Customer Service at 216.521.2540 x10. Beck Center for the Arts is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, just ten minutes west of downtown Cleveland. Free onsite parking is available. This production of A Great Wilderness is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. It is generously sponsored the residents of Cuyahoga County through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and the Ohio Arts Council. CAST Tim - Brian Byers Eunice - Heidi Harris* Abby - Lenne Snively* Janet - Kelly Strand Walt - Tim Tavcar Daniel - Christian John Thomas PRODUCTION STAFF Artistic Director, Director - Scott Spence Technical Director, Scenic Designer - Aaron Benson Costume Designer - Aimee Kluiber Lighting Designer - Steve Shack Sound Designer - Richard B. Ingraham Stage Manager - Diana D'Alessandro Assistant Stage Manager - Hayley Baran *Actor appears courtesy of the Actors' Equity Association (AEA).