The University of Illinois Springfield Theatre Program will present six performances of “The Thanksgiving Play” by Larissa FastHorse opening on Friday, Oct. 27 in the Studio Theatre, located on the lower level of the Public Affairs Center at UIS.

All shows will begin at 7:30 p.m., except the Sunday performance (Oct. 29), which will begin at 2 p.m. Opening weekend performance dates include Oct. 27-29. The following week, the play will be performed Nov. 2-4.

FastHorse, a MacArthur genius, playfully underscores the idea that sometimes less preaching can have a greater impact. In her striking satire, she fearlessly challenges one of America's most enduring myths as a group of earnest theater artists attempts a culturally sensitive Thanksgiving school pageant, leading to uproarious and thought-provoking chaos. This delectable play humorously and poignantly critiques everything that is both right and wrong with modern-day America, delivering a clever and funny take on the subject.

The Hollywood Reporter raves, “It’s uproarious, clever and very, very funny! Something for which to be truly thankful.”

UIS Professor and Director of Theatre Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson will direct the production with scenic design by UIS Associate Professor of Theatre Dathan Powell.

Cast members include UIS students Cameron Current and Lucas Denney, UIS alum Yekaterina Pruitt and UIS staff member Amanda Lazzara. Another 22 people make up the backstage team, of which over half are UIS students.

Ticket prices are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for UIS faculty/staff, $8 for UIS students and $6 for young adults/children under 17. Please note that service charges are not included in the prices above.

Tickets can be purchased on the UIS Performing Arts Center website at uispac.com or between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Ticket Office, located on the second level of the UIS Public Affairs Center. Patrons may call the UIS Ticket Office at 217-206-6160 or visit the UIS Theatre website for more information.