David Auburn’s {proof} plays at Players Circle February 6-March 3

{proof} comes to Players Circle Theater February 6 through March 3, 2024. David Auburn’s contemporary classic American drama will mark the fourth production at Players Circle’s new home in the heart of the McGregor Corridor (13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919).

Inspired by the true-life story of Nobel Prize winner John Nash, a gifted mathematician who suffered from schizophrenia, the drama is a story of an enigmatic young woman, Catherine, her manipulative sister, their brilliant father and an unexpected suitor.

“Each character is a piece in the puzzle in search of the truth behind a mysterious mathematical proof,” states Artistic Director Robert Cacioppo, who is directing the piece for the second time.

Nash’s story was also brought to life in 2001 with the Academy Award-winning film A Beautiful Mind, starring Russell Crowe. However, David Auburn’s {proof} reached audiences first, focusing on the relationship between fathers and daughters, the nature of genius, and the power of love.

{proof} was originally developed at George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, New Jersey during the 1999 Next Stage Series of new plays. The play premiered off-Broadway in May of 2000 and transferred to Broadway in October 2000, where it received extensive critical acclaim, winning a Drama Desk Award for Best New Play in 2000 and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Tony Award for Best Play, the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play, and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play in 2001.

“Auburn’s writing is elegant, and the characters are so richly developed,” Cacioppo adds. “We couldn’t ask for a more talented cast to bring these characters to life. It is one of the best-written American plays of our time, filled with high-stakes drama while remaining rich in humor.”

Since {proof} takes place on the back porch of a house next to the University of Chicago, the Players Circle team ventured upon a rare and unique rehearsal process: they’ve moved rehearsals outside!

Cast member Angela Watson effuses about how the prolonged dip in Southwest Florida temps has aided in the rehearsal process. “It has been perfect. I’ve been nursing in a turtleneck, and it feels more like Chicago weather.”

“It’s been fantastic,” concurs Steven Coe, who plays the part of Hal. “When we get to the point where we’re going to add the fourth wall, we’re going to be able to remember what it felt like to be in these natural surroundings. It does a little bit of the job for you.”

Besides Coe (The Foreigner, Murder at the Howard Johnson’s, The Lifespan of a Fact) and Angela Watson (Murder at the Howard Johnson’s, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), the cast includes John McKerrow (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) and Chloe Elliot-Chan, who is making her Players Circle debut.

Go here for play dates and times.

January 29, 2024.