We've Got The County Covered

Dark Comedy Promises Laughs as Well Tears of Healing

If you missed opening night of August: Osage County, there is still time to see this award-winning production at the Montana Actors' Theatre (MAT) on the campus of Montana State University–Northern. With showings on May 4-6 and again May 11-13, Director Grant Olson invites everyone out to see this dark comedy.

"This is the most emotionally complicated script I have ever directed. It's a bucket list check-off item, for sure! This play has won so many awards and has so much sub-text that it's just worth seeing! We've put out a warning statement, though, because the show has some heavy themes that may not be suitable for all audiences," Olson stated.

Among the over-arching themes of this dark comedy, Olson named mental health issues, alcoholism, suicide, drug addiction, and other abuse.

"There's a lot of generational trauma depicted in this show, so it's going to tug at your heart strings and likely make you cry. But you'll laugh, too. It's emotionally wrenching, sure, but you'll purge emotions along with the cast as they reenact, reminisce, and remember their tragic lives."

Beyond the script, Olson credits much of this production's power to the cast. "I have a great cast to work with-lots of talented veteran actors returned, so it's a great ensemble. They are so natural, so emotionally truthful that when they're firing, there's not a false note."

Tickets are available locally at Havre Chamber of Commerce, The Comput-er Center, & Company Apparel, and Bear Paw Meats. They can also be obtained online at mtactors.com.