A passion for football is not necessary to enjoy a bio-play about the iconic 1960s Green Bay Packers’ coach, Vincent Thomas Lombardi. However, a passion to inspire and drive to succeed might be.
“Lombardi” is presented by the Human Race Theatre Company, shown at the Metropolitan Art Center’s Loft Theatre, located at 126 N. Main St. in downtown Dayton.
The show opened Friday, Feb. 8 and will run until Sunday, Feb. 24.
Directed by resident artist Tim Lile and based on the novel “When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi” by David Maraniss, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, “Lombardi” has been “been a hit with audiences and critics alike,” according to a press release provided by the Human Race Theatre Company.
Set in 1965, reporter Michael McCormick, played by Jarred Baugh, is assigned to follow the winning coach.
“As McCormick explores Lombardi’s relationships with his wife and players, he finds the coach to be a perfectionist whose every breath is football, and a source of inspiration with a few surprises of his own,” said the release.
Played by seasoned professional actor Edward Furs, Lombardi is uncovered as a “husband, father, bully and friend,” according to the release.
The cast also includes Marcy McGuigan as Marie Lombardi, Gabriel Lawrence as Dave Robinson, Brandon Dahlquist as Paul Hornung and Ryan Imhoff as Jim Taylor.
The set design is by Tamara L. Honesty, costume design by Ayn Wood, lighting design by Resident Artist John Rensel, sound design by Matthew P. Benjamin and video design by Shaunn Baker. Kay Carver is the production stage manager. Tara Lail is the producer
Show times are 8 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and 7 p.m. on Sundays and Tuesdays. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.
Single ticket prices are $36 and $40 for adults, $34 and $38 for seniors and $17.50 and $19.50 for students. Prices vary depending on the day of the week desired. Group discounts are available.
A special performance on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. is called “Team Jersey Tuesday,” when patrons can purchase an available ticket at The Loft Theatre box office for $20 if they come to the performance wearing any football team jersey, subject to availability.
For more information visit humanracetheatre.org or call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630.
