The historic Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg is hosting a touring production of August Wilson's play "Two Trains Running." This Pulitzer and Tony-nominated play, set in the 1960s, focuses on a diner owner in Pittsburgh grappling with decisions during the civil rights movement.
The production is by New York City’s The Acting Company and explores themes of community resilience, hope, and perseverance. The show is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 at The Orpheum in Galesburg.
Philadelphia-born, New York City-trained actress DeAnna Supplee, who plays the role of Risa, joined WGIL's Jay Redfern and Tyler Gumm on Galesburg's Morning News to the show.
The play unfolds against a backdrop of significant social and political change, including the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. However, it also highlights the ongoing struggles and the slow pace of real change in the lives of everyday people.
It focuses on the daily interactions and conversations of the characters who frequent Memphis Lee's diner. These conversations reveal their hopes, fears, and perspectives on the events happening around them.
Supplee told Galesburg's Morning News, "As much as we may all appear to be different, the human spirit really is so similar ... we have so much more in common than we have that separates us and I think theater is just one of the unique uh vessels where you get to see those similarities."
