Brookings S.D. (KELO AM) - Woody Allen once said, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” For its second production of the season, South Dakota State University’s Prairie Repertory Theatre presents “Making God Laugh,” a play that follows a family learning Allen’s lesson one holiday at a time. Performances will be held in the Doner Auditorium in SDSU’s Administration building. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. nightly through Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday. “Making God Laugh” will also show in Brandon in July. This production may not be appropriate for all ages. “This will mark the first production of ‘Making God Laugh’ in South Dakota and the region,” said PRT managing director J.D. Ackman.The play takes place over the course of three decades as empty nesters Ruthie and Bill—played by Alexandra Blesi and Jordan Wolfe, respectively—welcome their three children home for various holidays and try to keep family traditions, and interesting family recipes, alive.
Tyus Beeson plays impulsive elder son Richard, who is often disgruntled about being in the shadow of his brother Thomas, played by Chris Taylor. Thomas is preparing to the enter the priesthood, making him the apple of his overbearing mother’s eye. Daughter Maddie, portrayed by Evan Hay, is an aspiring actress, a career path that Ruthie clearly does not appreciate. Witty one-liners and decade-appropriate attire provide the laughs in “Making God Laugh,” while audiences may find their heartstrings tugged by other aspects of the show. “This is about family and how family dynamics shift as family members move and change through their adult lives,” said Ackman. Tickets are $20 for adult patrons, $18 for senior citizens and military personnel, $14 for SDSU employees, $13 for students and children and free of charge for SDSU students. Tickets may be purchased from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the SDSU Performing Arts Center Audience Services Office, by calling 605-688-6045 or by visiting Prairie Rep's website.