“Lonely Planet” seeks a friend

After 10 weeks of rehearsing, the theater department's production of "Lonely Planet" has hit the stage at the Vivia Locke Theater.

"Lonely Planet" flows from comedy to tragedy as it shares a story of friendship, compassion and fear.

The play tells a story of an unknown American city similar to Seattle in 1988, where two different people form a unique friendship. OSU graduate student Bryson Baker plays Jody, a map store owner uncertain about many situations in his life.

Junior Nick Leos is Carl, a character with a lot of spirit and soul who cares deeply for the people around him.

Jody and Carl share "one of those friendships you couldn't imagine living without," Leos said. "They never have a time period that they spend apart from each other. It's something they both need in their lives that
they can both count on."

After hours of callbacks, Leos and Baker found out they got the two lead parts.

"I was ecstatic and really scared at first because it's a huge role," Baker said. "The material is emotionally intense."

The play explains low points in life and emphasizes that it's possible to make those moments hopeful and meaningful, Leos said.

"It's about finding something in your despair and anger that can help you move forward in life," Leos said.

"Lonely Planet" is considered by most critics to be one of playwright Steven Dietz's finest pieces of work, director J. Kevin Doolen said.

Guest artist Andi Lyons flew from New York to light and design the play. Another guest, Ken George, is a scene designer who created an elaborate set for the play.

A hard wood floor, three dimensional brick props and real doors have been created for the set of the play.

Bob Lemon, class of 1951, made production of the play possible.
"This message of humanity and compassion is what compelled Bob to underwrite this production for his beloved OSU," Doolen said. "I am honored to have secured this grant from him and be able to direct a play for that purpose."

The cast started rehearsing in September, earlier than usual because the play is a "tour de force," Doolen said. He said "Lonely Planet" is a play of the highest demand that requires the cast to stretch their performance abilities physically and emotionally.

The play is one of four main stage shows in the "All America Season." Doolen named the season after the American-born playwrights who wrote each script.

"People need to see this because of what they don't know about friendship," Baker said.

The play is a "story of friendship at its best and worst. When you walk out of the theater, you walk out with a story and with an experience," Baker said.