The critically-acclaimed play, “Leaving Iowa,” by Tim Clue and Spike Manton is a hilarious, family-friendly comedy that is a toast to the idealism and character of parents from the “greatest generation,” and a little roast of their dedication to the family road trip. It was nominated Best New Play in the Country by the Detroit Free Press and one of SoCal Theater’s 10 Most Memorable Moments of the year after its run at the Laguna Playhouse, stating the play included “the most frighteningly realistic depiction of a family summer road trip” the reviewer had ever seen. 

A show suitable for ages 10 to 110, “Leaving Iowa” is a postcard to anyone who has ever found themselves driving alone on a road, revisiting fond memories of their youth. Economically-staged for anywhere from 6-24 actors, the story centers on Don Browning, a middle-aged writer who returns home and decides to finally take his father’s ashes to his childhood home, as requested. But when Don discovers Grandma’s house is now a grocery store, he begins traveling across Iowa in search of a proper resting place. As he drives those familiar roads, the story shifts back and forth from the present to memories of the annual, torturous vacations of Don’s youth. Ultimately, Don’s existential journey leads him to reconcile his past and present at an unpredictable and perfect final destination. Since its printing by Dramatic Publishing, “Leaving Iowa” has played to packed audiences and great reviews in hundreds of theaters across the US. It’s guaranteed to have you laughing and remembering the childhood vacations you tried to forget.