Cornell College Theatre and Dance offers serious silliness

The Cornell College Department of Theatre and Dance invites audiences to the knock-about comedy “The Complete History of America [Abridged],” opening Dec. 14 in the Plumb-Flemming Black Box Theatre in Armstrong Hall.

Directed by the head of acting, Professor Caroline Price, this production offers audiences a rollercoaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American history.

Written by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, the show features three zany performers—Rosemary Vigil ’19, Kelli Massey ’20, Noelle Grapentine-Benton ’21—who deploy flip-charts, silly hats, jovial heckling, water guns, and a rapid-fire stream of jokes about everything from Washington to Watergate and the Bering Straits to Baghdad.

“This show promises to be a fun and fast-paced stumble through the history of this nation,” said Price. “Be prepared to laugh and groan your way through American history and politics where nothing is sacred and everything is up for laughs.”

Audiences are invited to enjoy the lobby display, take part in the cash bar, and stay for an opening night reception hosted by Bon Appetit on Thursday, Dec. 14.  “The Complete History of America [Abridged]” runs one weekend only, Dec. 14–16 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, students, and youth, and free for Cornell College faculty, staff, and students with ID. Tickets can be reserved by calling 319.895.4293 or e-mailing boxoffice@cornellcollege.edu. This production is intended for mature audiences and seating is limited.

The Plumb-Flemming Black Box Theatre is accessible through the front doors of Armstrong Hall on the Cornell College campus. Parking is available in the lot behind the theater at the corner of College Boulevard and Summit Avenue.