Clague Playhouse presents 'Proof'

“Proof” stars Rachel Lee Kolis (front), Renee Schilling, Nicholas Chokan and Robert Hawkes (not pictured). Photo by Terry Schordock

Clague Playhouse's third production of its 88th season is underway: David Auburn’s compelling drama "Proof."

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play, "Proof" is the story of Catherine, a troubled young woman who has spent years caring for her brilliant yet mentally unstable father. Upon his death, his two daughters and a gifted protegé struggle to identify the author of a ground-breaking mathematical proof discovered among his papers, raising questions of how much of her father’s genius Claire may have inherited, and how much of his madness. The intellectual, familial, and amorous tensions among these finely-drawn characters weave a suspenseful story of duty, loyalty and the pursuit of truth.

"Proof" is directed by Anne McEvoy. The cast includes Nicholas Chokan, Robert Hawkes, Rachel Krolls and Renee Schilling.

A theatergoer who attended the opening night performance on Jan. 15 raved about the production.

"'Proof' is very well staged by Anne McEvoy given the small, intimate space at Clague," said Eileen Vernon, "with a back porch set design by Ron Newell that implies an older house inside. Rachel Lee Kolis portrays Katherine, a scruffy, rather melancholy, 25-year-old caretaker daughter of a brilliant math professor, recently deceased. Robert Hawkes gives a fine performance as Catherine's genius-but-mentally-ill father; Renee Shilling as her chic, heartless sister, and Nicholas Chokan as the wild, somewhat eccentric, nerdy Hal, also give fine supporting performances. But the evening belongs to Kolis who, through her intense demeanor and rare smiles, makes you believe in the possibility of inherited genius and possibly a future mental breakdown."

The production runs through Feb. 7 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults, $15 for seniors (60+), and $10 for students (with valid ID), and may be purchased by calling the box office at 440-331-0403 Wednesday through Saturday from 1–6 p.m.

Upcoming productions this season include "Miracle on South Division Street" (March 11-April 3) and "Panache" (May 6-29). Visit clagueplayhouse.org for details.