Wagner College Theatre’s ‘Proof,’ Oct. 4-9

Wagner College Theatre’s Stage One studio theater kicks off its 2016-17 season with the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play, “Proof,” by David Auburn, with performances from Tuesday, Oct. 4 through Sunday, Oct. 9.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play in 2001, “Proof” is the story of an enigmatic, young woman named Catherine; her manipulative sister; their brilliant father and an unexpected suitor — all pieces of a puzzle in search of the truth behind a mysterious mathematical proof. Auburn’s play is at turns a comedy, mystery, family drama and romance, and audiences have cheered the production around the world for its craft and intelligence.

“Proof” is directed by WCT Head of Voice David McDonald, who also directed last season’s Stage One double-bill of “Dutchman” and “21 Jump Street.”

“Proof” features renowned Staten Island actor and WCT professor Mickey Tennenbaum as Robert.

Also in the cast are Nina Gabi Gross (Catherine), Lola Silver (Claire) and John Thacker (Hal).  On Wednesday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 9, the swing cast — featuring April Lillard (Catherine), Jasmine Canziani (Claire), Kolten Bell (Robert) and Nicholas Barakos (Hal) — will perform.

Wagner’s production features scenic design by Casey Schweiger, costume design by Andy Dillon, lighting design by Austin Gennant and sound design by Wendy Kraemer. James Collins is the production stage manager. Doo-Young Yoon is the dramaturg.

“Proof” premiered Off Broadway in May 2000 and moved to Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre in October 2000, becoming one of the longest-running Broadway plays. Directed by Daniel J. Sullivan, the production starred Mary-Louise Parker, Larry Bryggman, Ben Shenkman and Johanna Day. Later during the Broadway run, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Anne Heche took over the lead role. Josh Hamilton and Neil Patrick Harris subsequently played the role of Hal. Mary-Louise Parker won the Tony Award for her performance, and Daniel Sullivan won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play. In 2005, “Proof” was made into a major film starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jake Gyllenhaal and Anthony Hopkins.

Performances of “Proof” are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. The Wagner College Theatre box office in Main Hall can be contacted at (718) 390-3259 or boxoffice@wagner.edu. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 12 to 4 p.m.  Single tickets are $10. Wagner College students attend free with current ID.