A classic American romance, The Rainmaker is a refreshingly heartfelt fable about a con man, a country girl, and the way that love can overcome cynicism in even the most tired of souls. On a drought-stricken ranch in America’s heartland, a charismatic huckster named Starbuck arrives selling the promise of rain. But when he and Lizzie, the lone daughter of the family, discover a genuine chemistry, they begin to consider the possibility of a real miracle.
The Rainmaker is directed by Bay Area favorite Mark Rucker (The Beard of Avon) and features A.C.T. core acting company member René Augesen as Lizzie.
"A.C.T.'s Rainmaker rocks."
San Francisco Examiner
"A stage full of beautifully shaped performances. . . . an altogether first-rate cast"
San Francisco Chronicle
"[René] Augesen gives a deeply sincere performance. . . . [She is] the heart and soul of this staging."
San Jose Mercury News
"[Jack Willis's performance] is both heartwarming and beautifully created. . . . [Alex Morf gives] a wildly funny performance that captures the cow-town Romeo in his prime."
Contra Costa Times
Koret Prologue*
October 28, 4:30 p.m.
Get inside the artistic process—come early for a preperformance discussion with The Rainmaker director Mark Rucker and a member of the A.C.T. artistic staff.
Theater on the Couch*
November 2, 8 p.m.
Join members of the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis for an exciting postperformance discussion that explores the psychological aspects of The Rainmaker and addresses audience questions.
Koret Audience Exchanges*
November 6, 7 p.m.
November 7, 2 p.m.
November 18, 2 p.m.
After the show, stick around for a lively Q&A session with the actors of The Rainmaker, moderated by a member of the A.C.T. artistic staff.
OUT with A.C.T.
November 14, 8 p.m.
LGBT night at A.C.T. after The Rainmaker features a catered afterparty and a cast meet and greet. Visit www.act-sf.org/out for more information about how to subscribe to OUT nights.
*Discussions immediately follow the designated performance and are free for ticket holders. Please note that performance times vary.
Insight into the Play, the Playwright, and the Production
Each entertaining and informative issue of Words on Plays, A.C.T.'s in-depth performance guide series, contains a synopsis, advance program notes, study questions, and additional background information about the historical and cultural context of the play.
Words on Plays is available for purchase in the lobby of the theater during performances or online ($12 each + postage and handling). To subscribe to the full season ($70), call 415.749.2250.
Words on Plays Prepared by
Elizabeth Brodersen, Publications Editor
Michael Paller, Resident Dramaturg
Margot Melcon, Publications & Literary Associate
Ariel Franklin-Hudson, Publications & Literary Intern
Table of Contents
Words on Plays is made possible in part by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
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