"Back County Crimes" to be performed on JKB main stage

The Skidmore College Department of Theater will present  Back County Crimes, directed by guest director Dave Demke, as its fall 2012 main stage production. Performances are scheduled Friday through Sunday, Nov. 15-17 and Nov. 22-24. All shows begin at 8 p.m. in the Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater except Sundays, when there will be a matinee at 2 p.m.

The story of a small rural town as told by the town's family doctor, Back County Crimes is a poetic tale of forbidden love affairs, sordid murders, tragic misunderstandings, and comic endeavors, similar to Thornton Wilder's Our Town, but with an edge. Playwright Lanie Robertson has a savvy sense of black comedy, setting the play "in the little town of Duty in the county known as Love." Music and singing fill the play, as a gallery of characters moves through compellingly tragic, or caustically comic vignettes.

As the doctor's memories come to life, the audience sees the best and worst of humanity. In the end is a haunting affirmation of life, and a new understanding of the themes of 'duty' and 'love'.

Director Demke explains, “Back County Crimes tells the story of a small-town Midwest doctor haunted by the people he was unable to help. As he nears retirement, his memories come to life before him, challenging his desire for peace and contentment in the remaining years of his life. Filled with music, Back County Crimes expresses both the comedy and tragedy of life in rural America, revealing the complex palpitations of the human heart.”

Tickets are $12 general admission and $8 for students and senior citizens. Call the Skidmore Theater Box Office at (518) 580-5439 or email boxoffice@skidmore.edu for reservations.

[Cover photo: Krista DeVellis ’14 (front), Keegan Kelly ’17 (back left), Emma Bridges ’14, Aaron Ardisson ’16, and Christine Pardos ’14.]