Drama that goes the distance

Photo by Chris Graamans

No matter how far you have to travel to get to the Newport Performing Arts Center, it will be worth it to see the acclaimed play “4000 Miles,” opening Thursday, March 26.

Presented by New Visions Arts, the warmly humorous and deeply moving play follows 30-year-old Leah, who arrives at the Manhattan apartment of her 91-year-old grandmother, Vera, after completing a cross-country bicycle trip. As the two generations share space and conversation, the unlikely roommates begin to navigate grief, generational divides and the search for connection in modern life.

Written by award-winning playwright Amy Herzog and directed by Marc Maislen, “4000 Miles” has been widely praised for its compassionate storytelling and sharply observed characters. The play was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and has been staged across the United States and internationally.

“4000 Miles” runs through April 5, with performances at 7 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 pm matinées each Sunday.

The March 26 opening night performance is Pay-What-You-Can, and the April 2 performance offers a $5 ticket discount with the donation of two cans of food for Food Share of Lincoln County.

All performances take place at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W Olive Street in Newport. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. For more information or tickets, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.