Local Playwright Launching World Premiere of His Play in Anamosa, Iowa

There is plenty of local talent in the area.  Whether it's a talented athlete, a gifted musician, or even a creative playwright, this area has a lot to offer.  And now a local playwright is getting his chance in the spotlight

Starlighters II Community Theatre in Anamosa, Iowa is proud to announce the world premiere of the original play, Lost Memories, written by Cascade. Iowa native, Shawn Carr. Lost Memories focuses on one family in rural Iowa as they navigate the discovery that one of their loved ones is suffering from dementia/Alzheimer's disease.

As a Jones County native, Carr found inspiration from the world he grew up in, and from that, created a script that will touch people's lives with warmth and caring. And although a sad topic, Carr has interwoven humor and hope into a story that many will be able to relate to.

This play is the manifestation of a dream that Carr has been working on for the past five years. The original first scene was read at a Starlighters’ Writer’s Workshop. Since the script was finished, it has undergone a series of rewrites, critiques by former teachers, readings by friends, and scrutiny of the Starlighters’ script committee. A friend who works in Hollywood read it, liked it, and told Carr that before ever trying to get it read elsewhere that the work needed to be put on a stage. Thus, it has been added to the Starlighters II Theatre studio repertoire for 2022.

The show will also feature live-backs with area medical professionals to foster the discussion around the impacts of dementia throughout our community, and the impacts it can have on family and friends of those diagnosed. Lindsay Ehlers of MercyCare will be joined by Tara Mescher, ARNP, from TLC Healthcare LLC in Monticello to lead the discussion following the performances on August 5, 6, and 7. They will also be joined by Shelly Edwards, a mentor with Positive Approach to Care. Lastly, Kristine Hess, from the Iowa Alzheimer’s Association will lead a discussion following the performance on Saturday, August 13. The show will have its world premiere on the Anamosa stage on August 5, 6, and 7, and on August 12, 13, and 14. The box office opens on Monday, July 25th, but tickets are available online now at starlighters.org.

To learn more about Alzheimer's and dementia CLICK HERE

For info on Dubuque's Walk to End Alzheimer's CLICK HERE