Page 4 January 12, 2000 I h v -JLÌ a ri lattò CDbseruer Focus Theatre Sandy Theatre presents play about AIDS, friendship CONTRIBUTED STORY The Sandy Theatre is extremely proud to present an extraor­ dinary play, titled Lonely Planet, about friendship and fear in the age o f AIDS. The audience will be taken on a hilari­ ous yet touching journey through the vision of Seattle based playwright Steven Dietz. Lonely Planet won the 1994 PEN Center USA West Award in drama. The script is “absolutely charmed, a phrase friend’s also use to describe the author. The play is so well written that its poetry, truth, and compas­ sion affect all. Everyone everywhere has been touched by the AIDS epidemic, either directly or indirectly. Lonleyplanet gently reminds us that “no man is an island.” Enhancing this powerful script are a dedicated and talented cast and director. Peter Baker, Jr. and Alan Ryman are Jody and Carq, two friends who come at life from very different angles, but support each other unconditionally in their re­ spective batties. An OSU graduate, Peter studied acting at Boston University and North Carolina School for the Arts. His first performance with Sandy Theatre was in Rehearsal for Murder and his many stage credits include A Comedy o f Errors, Equus, and American Buffalo. Alan, a talented ac­ tor and improv comedian, has performed in several theatres around Portland including many shows at Sylvia’s Class Act Dinner Theatre, most recently in their production of Sylvia. Alan’s stage credits include Life andDealh on the Amedcan Road, Butterflies Are Free, and The Nerd at Sandy Theatre. Director Stephen Ulrich is well known for his accomplish­ ments on and off stage. His 20+ years experience acting, directing, and writing (Steve is a playwright, as well) com­ plete the talent package. Lonely Plane~ opens on Friday, January 21,2000. The show will run Fridays and Saturdays for four weekends along with two Thursday performances, January 27 and February 3, all at 8 PM. Ticket prices for Thursday, Fnday, and Saturday shows are $7.50 adult; $6.00 seniors and students. On Thurs­ days bring two cans o f food to donate to the Oregon Food Bank and get half off your ticket price. In conjunction with local AIDS organizations, the Sandy Players will provide a forum of discussion following each performance in an attempt to share feelings, emotions, and deliver information on local resources. Additionally, a por­ tion of the proceeds will be donated towards AIDS research. We encourage you to support this play with articles and tele­ vised interviews so we can inform the community benefit AIDS research, and touch the lives of many that are strug­ gling to live with this disease. Advertise in The Focus Just think; Your son is b rig h t, h e a lth y a n d h e a d e d fo r college one day You love the direction y career has taken. You’re doing a lot o f the things you planned and even a few you didn't Living life to the fullest is easy when you have family beh in d y o u Am erican Family Mutual Insurance. Call and talk to one o f our helpful friendly agents. You'll find out w h y we’re consistently rated A + (Superior) by A M . Best the insurance rating authority Then, go on. Dream Plan. What you do next is up to you and w e ll be here to help you. All Your Protection Under O n e R O O I. 4 ìot * m * sksrksnmìwi « * X53 American Family Mutual Insurance Company and its Subsidiaries, Madison, Wl 53783-0001 www.amfam.com C