Mercer Theatre presents production of “August: Osage County”

For most families, the darkest secrets and conflicts are kept in the confines of the home.

In Mercer’s production of “August: Osage County,” those secrets are being drawn from one family and displayed onstage for all to see.

Mercer’s theatre department is performing “August: Osage County” at Tattnall Square Center for the Arts March 30 to April 2 and April 6 to April 9.

“August: Osage County” is a dark comedy about the dysfunctional Weston family. After tragedy strikes, the Weston women are suddenly brought back to their Midwest home.

Meant to be a reflection of real families and their conflicts, this play features flawed characters who must come to terms with the present as it has been shaped by not only their choices, but their relatives’ choices.

“This production tackles one of modern drama’s true masterpieces,” said Scot Mann, director of Mercer Theatre.

The play excelled after its debut in 2008, winning both the Tony Award for Best Play as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It was adapted into a film starring Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts in 2013.

Mann said he knew Mercer Theatre had to perform this show following its positive critical reception.

“It was just a matter of waiting for the right time for us,” Mann said.

According to Mann, the right time is now.

“We have the right mix of professional actors, students, alumni and faculty right now to make a quality ensemble for the maturity of the play,” Mann said.

Ashley Greene, a junior theatre major who will appear in the show, said she thinks Mercer students will easily be able to relate to this play.

“Everyone has some sort of dysfunction in their family,” Greene said. “It’s a funny show because of the way people are able to relate to these dysfunctional family relations.”

Mann also believes this is a show that people will be able to relate to.

“It is a dark comedy that reaches into the soul of anyone who has experienced a family-wide dilemma,” Mann said.

Tickets are available for $15, but students can get them at a discounted rate of $10 with a valid student I.D. This drama is intended for mature audiences only and contains adult content and language.