Rose Dolan-Neill as “Catherine” with Keith Lorasch omnisciently floating above as “Robert.”

Have you ever wondered what traits you inherited from each of your parents? This coming November, The Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild will be putting on a play at The Grand Theatre called {proof}, by playwright David Auburn, that will explore that very question. David Auburn’s {proof} was featured on Broadway since 2000 and was also named the winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play in 2001. Friend of the CVTG and local Chippewa Valley resident, Reverend David Huber, says, “Of all the shows I saw on Broadway, {proof} is in my list of absolute favorites. I am glad it’s being done here. Exciting!”

Besides discovering the relationship between the traits of parents and their children, the fine line that is tiptoed between madness and genius will also be a common theme of the production. According to CVTG, “{proof} centers around a brilliant but mentally ill mathematician and his daughter. His daughter wonders what she has inherited from her father-the mental illness and/or his genius … It’s a gripping story but there’s humor as well.”

Following her father’s death, the daughter, Catherine, struggles with the fear of following in her father’s footsteps versus staying in control. The play contains four main characters: the father (Robert), who is seen occasionally on stage via flashbacks, the daughter (Catherine), Catherine’s older sister (Claire), and Catherine’s love interest (Hal).

The part of Catherine will be played by veteran Eau Claire actress Rose Dolan Neill while the part of Claire will be played by WEAU reporter Courtney Everett. Robert’s role (the father) will be played by Keith Lorasch and Hal’s role will be played by Joel Hick. If you’re interested in the complex relationship of genius and madness (and who isn’t?) go check out {proof} at the Grand Theatre this November.

{proof} will be at 7:30pm on November 1-3 and November 8-10 and also at 1:30pm on November 4 & 11 at The Grand Theatre on West Grand Avenue in Eau Claire. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $8 for youth and students. Tickets can be purchased at CVTG.org or by calling 715-832-7529 (832-PLAY). Because of some mild cursing in the show, it’s been rated “PG-13,” so you may want to leave the little ones at home.