A Public Fit to present An Oak Tree

A Public Fit Theatre Company (APF) is proud to present the second mainstage show of its 2022-23 season with An Oak Tree by Tim Crouch. Following the story of a man reeling from the tragic loss of his eldest daughter, this dynamic 2-hander defies genre and description by featuring a different, unrehearsed actor in the leading role for each performance. The show, performing at Super Summer Theatre Studios, opens Friday, February 3, and will run for 4 weekends through February 27.

“An Oak Tree is a truly remarkable theatrical experience,” says director Ann-Marie Pereth. “I wouldn’t be surprised if people returned a number of times to re-discover the show with any number of ‘second actors.’ The play is different each, and every time it’s performed. But it’s not improvised-each and every word is very tightly scripted. It’s like watching the entire growth of a theatrical story, from rehearsal to stage, spring forth right before your eyes.”

“Putting a new, unrehearsed player in for each performance sounds like a gimmick,” says Joseph Kucan, the actor charged with guiding the story along its path. “But it’s not; it’s an extremely clever way of creating a metaphor for the place a man finds himself when facing unimaginable grief and loss. It’s a script that really challenges what we expect to find when we walk into the theatre.”

“Yes,” adds Pereth, “it’s a challenge that the audience shares with each second actor; they all discover the narrative together!”

Immediately following each performance, audiences are invited to join the evening’s cast members and production staff for The Buzz, a moderated discussion of the themes and discoveries presented in the play. An APF hallmark, The Buzz is an expression of A Public Fit’s ongoing commitment to engage audiences well beyond the limits of the stage, ensuring that the conversations surrounding captivating theatre are shared by the community.

“We expect a vibrant, dynamic Buzz for this one,” says Kucan. “This play will certainly give us all a LOT to talk about!”

APF offers a seven-show season consisting of four staged readings and three mainstage productions. Following An Oak Tree, AFP’s remaining shows for the 2022-23 season are Lydia by Octavio Solis; The Piano Lesson by August Wilson, and Alabaster by Audrey Cefaly.

The show opens Friday, February 3, and will run for 4 weekends through February 27 at Super Summer Theatre Studios, 4340 S. Valley View Blvd., Ste. #208. Showtimes are 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. with special Industry Nights on February 13, 20 and 27. Ticket prices are $35-$40 with discounts for seniors, students and active military personnel. For a complete listing of featured performers by date, click here.

For more information regarding A Public Fit Theatre Company including upcoming performances and ticketing, visit www.apublicfit.org.