Theatrikos Theatre Co. June Newsletter — Last weekend to see Men on Boats, about Powell’s first trip down the Colorado

One last weekend to catch Arizona-born playwright Jaclyn Backhaus’ Men on Boats on the Flagstaff stage. The show about John Wesley Powell’s first trip through the Grand Canyon has been produced nationwide. Now, for the first time, it comes home to Northern Arizona (where it belongs!) with a production by Theatrikos.

Men on Boats. No men. No boats. One river. Highlighting underrepresented voices and inspired by Powell’s actual travel logs, this whitewater comedy is history as you’ve never seen it before—infusing America’s historic myths with a sly blast of satire.

“I’m so pleased to hear you’re doing Men on Boats—in the perfect location no less! As an Arizona-born artist I’m always very moved when theaters in AZ are doing my work,” said playwright Jaclyn Backhaus.

Despite the show’s name, the cast of Men on Boats is all women or non-binary actors. “Our cast is having a blast working together, not being explorers who are men or women—just being explorers. I think the audience will see actors who experience a grand adventure,” said director Sara Bendel Ryan. “It is a story of exploration, not of any particular sex, just people braving the wild Colorado.”

Casting with all female and nonbinary actors allowed the playwright to create a show that embraces many nuanced perspectives. “It became a frame through which I could examine and question the notion of the American Explorer from a new vantage point,” said playwright Backhaus. “The piece is an exploration of survivalism and America, given to actors who are not often given the opportunity to play that kind of part, and that your theater is honoring the playwright’s wishes as well as following in the legacy of the over 100 theaters that have produced the play around the country. And all that said, I appreciate your determination and commitment to the vision of the piece”

Men on Boats has three more performances in Flagstaff, May 31, June 1 and June 2. And June 9 in Cottonwood.

TheatriKids Diary of Wimpy Kid auditions are June 24—25. For ages 7—14. About the book, The Guardian says, “I give this a big 5/5.” Every child who enrolls in TheatriKids educational program is admitted. Performances August 23—September 1.