Illusion Theater Premieres New Lee Blessing Play Tonight

Illusion Theater will present the world premiere of Lee Blessing's FOR THE LOYAL, a provocative exploration of one woman's attempt to stand up to powerful institutional forces while remaining true to herself. The thoughtful and absorbing drama opens tonight, April 24 and runs through May 16 at the downtown Minneapolis theater, located on the eighth floor of the Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Ave. Post-show panels and audience discussions follow each performance.

Inspired by true events, Blessing tackles honesty and allegiance in this taut new morality play. Set in 1992, Toby (Sam Bardwell) and Mia (Anna Sundberg) are graduate students with a baby on the way. One day, Toby, an assistant coach for a powerhouse collegiate football team, stumbles upon Coach Carlson's (Garry Geiken) terrible secret. Now that Toby knows the shameful truth, it threatens to throw the young couple's entire future into jeopardy. As the story unfolds in mystery-like fashion, Mia embarks on a journey to discover who she really is-and given the world she's in-whether doing wrong is the only way left to do right.

Presented during Illusion's 40th Anniversary Season, For the Loyal is directed by Illusion Co-Producing Director Michael Robins. The production also features Mark Rosenwinkel (Coach Hale) and Michael Fell (the boy).

For the Loyal is the second play by Minnesota-born Blessing that Illusion has produced. The first was Push-Ups in 1982 in collaboration with the Playwrights Center. Blessing is best known for his award-winning 1988 play, A Walk in the Woods, which was nominated for both a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize.

For the Loyal is funded by a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Art Works grant, which supports the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the strengthening of communities through the arts.

Tickets for For the Loyal are $20-$35. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more people. Tickets are available at the Illusion Theater Box Office at 612-339-4944 or online at www.illusiontheater.org.