Love, death, insanity and mathematical proofs — it’s just another day at the Baton Rouge Little Theater.
These are also the compelling elements of the upcoming production of “Proof,” a Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by David Auburn.
Keith Dixon, BRLT managing director, said “Proof” is the story of Catherine, a young woman taking care of her mentally-unstable, but mathematical genius father. Catherine fears she has not only inherited his brilliance, but also his instability.
The death of her father and arrival of a potential love interest lead Catherine and the other characters to the conclusion that love itself is complicated, Dixon said.
“They think very logically, very mathematically, and they find out it’s not that easy,” Dixon said.
Emery Lancaster, stage manager for Proof, said the stage set is impressive.
“There is literally a huge house built on stage,” she said.
Lancaster said the play is set in Chicago during winter.
Danny Harrington, technical director of the production, deserves credit for the backdrops, Lancaster said.
“He has been working non-stop since December,” she said. “Everyday I walk into the theater, more and more amazing details have been added — and he’ll probably keep adding them until opening night.”
Dixon said Katie Lahey, who plays Catherine, is a University student.
“It’s a tough role to play because the timeline goes back and forth,” he said. “It’s difficult to capture that emotional range, and she’s doing a great job of it.”
Dixon said auditions were held in December with a great turnout of University students. He said he hopes more students continue to audition for plays at BRLT.
“Working with us gives LSU students an opportunity to work outside the educational setting,” he said. “They can share their knowledge with us, we can share our knowledge with them. It’s the practical application of what they’re learning in the theater program.”
The non-profit, all-volunteer theater is in its 59th season and is one of the largest community theaters in the country, Dixon said.
“We’re a full-fledged business and a mainstay of Baton Rouge culture,” Dixon said.
The messages dealt with in “Proof” will resonate with college students because they are the issues they face, Dixon said.
“College is a time where you find yourself,” he said. “Catherine’s life has been put on hold. She hasn’t had the experiences she would have had in the traditional college experience.”
Lancaster said the messages of this play will resonate with not only college students, but people of all ages.
“There are lots of emotions, and it can get pretty intense,” she said. “These feelings are universal. Everyone has been through that.”
Beth Sheets, BRLT administrative assistant, said Proof will run through Feb. 13. Seating is reserved.