Lifespan of a Fact

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: August 2024 | Photograph By: Susan Renfro

(L-R) Michael Lanzilotta (Director), Cathy Myers (Stage Manager,
Michael Burel, Julie Harris, and Randy Lucas (cast) and Susan Kent (Assistant Director).

During his first show in 2005, talk-show host Stephen Colbert presented the word “truthiness,” using it to express a kind of “truth” that is derived from a visceral feeling rather than from any known facts.

Lifespan of a Fact is a play, based on the book by John D’Agata and Jim Fingal, that tells the true story of what happens when a nonfiction writer who relies on truthiness (D’Agata) goes up against a dedicated fact-checker (Fingal). Although the play, written by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell, takes some dramatic liberties from the true story in the book, it stays loyal to the essence of the real-life battle between D’Agata and Fingal.

The play has a small cast of only three performers. First up is HCP veteran Randy Lucas as John D’Agata, the essayist who wrote the article in question and is very defensive when an upstart fact checker questions his work. D’Agata believes that a certain amount of ‘truthiness’ is necessary in areas that don’t change the overall meaning of the story but give his essay more rhythm and meaning.

Next up is Michael Burel, a newcomer to the Highlands stage, playing Jim Fingal, who doesn’t have nearly as much journalism experience as John D’Agata, but takes his new assignment as a fact-checker very seriously. Jim insists on full accuracy in all details, stating “By misrepresenting official and searchable documents, you undermine your argument, you undermine society’s trust in itself.”

Familiar HCP stage actress Julie Harris rounds out the cast as editor Emily Penrose, who has the thankless job of trying to navigate the tension between John and Jim and get the article (which John insists on calling an essay) to the printer by the deadline.

HCP veteran actor/director Michael Lanzilotta directs the show. Susan Kent is the assistant director and Cathy Myers is the stage manager.

“I am very excited to be presenting this play at this time in Highlands. ‘Alternative facts’ and disinformation have become de rigueur, and hopefully Lifespan of a Fact will remind us of the importance of being wise consumers of media and information, because the truth will set us free,” said Lanzilotta.

The production opens on August 22 in the Martin-Lipscomb Theater at the PAC with a free wine and light bites reception following the opening night show. Shows continue August 23-25 and August 29 through September 1. The Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 P.M. and the Sunday shows are matinees at 2:00 P.M.

Get your tickets today for this timely performance at HighlandsCashiersPlayers.com or by calling (828) 526-9047. Cabaret seating is available.