LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - The Lock Haven University Players’ spring season opens with quite the formula. “Proof,” written by David Auburn and student directed by Katrina Bartoli, will run on March 17, 18, 19 at 7:30 p.m. and March 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the Countdown Theatre located in the Sloan Fine Arts Building on the Lock Haven University campus.

On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine (Justine English), a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, Robert (Scott Fetrow), a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire (Erin Olkowski); and the attentions of Hal (Corey Wilson), a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father's madness—or genius—will she inherit?

Bartoli believes everyone can take something away from the show. “Proof is a show about letting go and believing in yourself. It’s a powerful story about hope, family, love, and dreams.”

When asked why she is so excited to direct again, Bartoli responded that she is excited to do a completely different genre. Last semester, she directed “Pizza Man” – a farce. The dramatic side compelled her to direct this show. “We are using a simple set compromised of rehearsal blocks and are opening in a much shorter time.”

“Proof” runs March 17, 18, 19 at 7:30 p.m. and March 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the Countdown Theatre. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for each evening performance and 1:30 for the matinee.

Tickets can be reserved by going to the box office between the hours of 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reservations are also accepted by telephone (570-484-3983) and email (boxoffice@lhup.edu). Tickets are free to the public. For further information about the show, contact Dr. Angela Sweigart-Gallagher (asweigar@lhup.edu) in the Department of Performing Arts at (570)484-2149 or visit the University Players website at www.lhup.edu/university-players