Steven Tomlinson’s 2004 play American Fiesta premieres in the Northwest Wednesday November 27, presented by Triangle Productions. Gary Wayne Cash portrays Steven, an obsessive-compulsive collector on a quest for the perfect piece of vintage Fiestaware that somehow becomes a fulcrum to balance his intolerant Oklahoma parents’ views of his life choices with lessons he finds along the way.
Fiestaware, introduced during the Great Depression by the Homer Laughlin Company is bright, solid-colored and somehow became important then (and is even still) to collectors. In this production, the bowls, cups and plates have a backstory all their own.
Triangle presents the tale at the request and bequest of patron Joan Hayward who had come to their shows for more than 20 years. Hayward asked the company to produce the play using her own Fiestaware collection as set pieces and partnered the production with two favorite nonprofits, Third Rail Repertory Theatre and DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital. “Then,” she said, “I want you to sell the Fiestaware as a fundraiser for Triangle.” Not only can you see the show, you can contribute to the theatre by starting (or adding to) your own Fiestaware collection.
The show runs Thurs. –Sat. at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through December 22 at Sandy Plaza, 1785 NE Sandy Blvd. Tickets are $15 – $35. A discussion with Basic Rights Oregon is planned for December 1 after the 2 pm matinee and a public dinner with Tomlinson is planned before the Sat. Nov. 30 performance. Call the theatre for tickets, curtain times and dates at 503.239.5919 or see www.tripro.org.