The Niceties
The Niceties
February 19 – March 7, 2020
by Eleanor Burgess
Directed by Scott Palmer
“The Family We Choose”
When an ambitious young black student meets with her esteemed white professor to go over a paper the student is writing about the American Revolution, sparks fly as the two women engage in a discussion about who gets to tell the real story of America. Both women are brilliant, both are passionate, and both believe they are 100% right. It doesn’t take long for a conversation about grammar and punctuation to move into dangerous territory neither of them are prepared for; the implications are profound and cannot be undone. Can these two women, who have so much in common, find a way forward in a world that wants to ensure they never come to agreement?
“A barnburner of a play; one of the best plays I’ve seen about who gets to tell the story of America, and how…” —The Washington Post
“A bristling, provocative debate play about race and privilege in the United States, and it begs to be argued with…” —The New York Times
“The Niceties crackles and sparks with friction. Burgess’ characters are drawn with precision and her dialogue is expertly crafted to keep both the tension and the attention high…” —New York Theatre Guide
SHOW NOTES
Content Advisory: This play discusses race relations, racism, institutional racism, and white supremacy in a frank and adult manner, and also includes themes of an adult nature.
Recommended Age: This play is appropriate for audiences aged 16 years and older.
Approximate Run Time: The Niceties is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Wed, Feb 19, 7:30pm FIRST WEDNESDAY / PAY WHAT YOU FEEL PREVIEW
Thu, Feb 20, 7:30pm FIRST THURSDAY / THROWBACK THURSDAY PREVIEW ($24 tickets)
Fri, Feb 21, 6:45pm FIRST FRIDAY / OPENING NIGHT
Sat, Feb 22, 7:30pm FIRST SATURDAY / EDUCATOR NIGHT & DATE NIGHT
Wed, Feb 26, 7:30pm
Thu, Feb 27, 7:30pm
Fri, Feb 28, 7:30pm
Sat, Feb 29, 7:30pm
Sun, Mar 1, 3pm MATINEE / BACKSTAGE TOUR & POST-SHOW CHAT BACK
Wed, Mar 4, 7:30pm
Thu, Mar 5, 7:30pm
Fri, Mar 6, 7:30pm
Sat, Mar 7, 7:30pm
SPONSORS
The Niceties is generously sponsored The Kantor Family Fund, Marcia & Don Liebich, Carol P. Nie and Tedde & Jim Reid.
Company of Fools’ 24th season sponsors: Anonymous (2), Arrow R. Storage, Barrett Family Wines, Linda and Bob Edwards, Shari Friedman and Andrew King, Sue and Mort Fuller, Carol and Len Harlig, Jodie and Dan Hunt and the Roy A. Hunt Foundation, The Kantor Family Fund, Kenneth Lewis, Tedde and Jim Reid, Jane Rosen and Scott Miley—Scott Miley Roofing, Rebecca and Jonathan Neeley, Shubert Foundation, Richard Smooke and Family in loving memory of Judith Smooke, St. Luke’s Wood River, Mary Ann and John Underwood, Maryanne and Jerry Whitcomb, Jeri L. Wolfson Foundation, Barbara and Stanley Zax, housing sponsor The Wood River Inn & Suites, media sponsor The Weekly Sun, wine sponsor Stanton Barrett & Barrett Family Wines, and beer sponsor Warfield Distillery & Brewing
TICKET INFORMATION
$35 member / $40 nonmember / $35 senior (62 and over) / $15 student (with student ID) / $35 group (8 or more) / Second Night 24—All tickets $24 Full Price
*Ticket prices do not include taxes or processing fees.
These ticket prices do not include the “Pay What You Feel” preview, 10 for $10, and Educator Night. There is also a SPECIAL GROUP RATE—groups of 8 or more receive $35 tickets (a $5 savings, per ticket, if you are not a Center member!)
Click on the “Buy Tickets” link to select individual performance dates and the number of seats you’d wish to purchase or call us 208.578.9122—we’re happy to help!
BEYOND THE CURTAIN SPECIAL PERFORMANCES & PRICING OPTIONS
Learn, explore and have fun with Company of Fools. Take advantage of some interesting ways to engage with theatre and the current performance on a deeper level:
FIRST WEDNESDAY / PAY WHAT YOU FEEL PREVIEW
Join us for the first performance of a play and literally pay what you’d like. Tickets go on sale at the Liberty Theatre box office one hour before the performance. There are no reserved seats; simply buy your ticket, find a seat and enjoy the show. If you’d prefer to reserve your seats, you may also purchase your tickets at full price for this performance.
FIRST THURSDAY / THROWBACK THURSDAY PREVIEW ($24 tickets)
All tickets on these dates are discounted to $24 in honor of COF’s 24th season.
FIRST FRIDAY / OPENING NIGHT
Pre-show 20-minute Opening Night Lecture by Producing Artistic Director Scott Palmer, followed by a 10-minute Q&A (45 minutes prior to curtain) and post-show Opening Night reception.
FIRST SATURDAY / EDUCATOR NIGHT & DATE NIGHT
$15 tickets are available on these dates to currently employed educators and school administrators. Tickets may be purchased in advance. Limit two tickets per person. Date Night offers a pre-show happy ½-hour with discounted wine, beer and bubbly; deals at local partner restaurants; and a chance to win fabulous prizes.
BACKSTAGE TOUR & POST-SHOW CHAT BACK (immediately following show)
Immediately following the performance, stay for a thought-provoking and fun discussion with the artists and creative staff. And enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the design elements that went into creating the show.
“10 for $10″
Ten seats are sold for $10 each every night at the box office starting one hour prior to the performance.Limit two tickets per person.
GROUP PRICING
Groups of 8 or more receive $35 tickets (a $5 savings per ticket, if you are not a member of The Center!).