MONROE — Monroe Theatre Guild’s long-awaited, upcoming production has been two years in the making. The play “Lombardi”, was written by Eric Simonson and based on Davis Maraniss’ book “When Pride Still Mattered — A Life of Vince Lombardi”. Directed for MTG by Jennie Lembach with Assistant Director Andrew Rocheleau, this work is about the Packers’ legendary coach of the 1960’s. The play was originally set to premier nearly two years on MTG’s stage, but was postponed from 2020 due to the COVID-19 shutdown.
As sports produces great human drama, there is no greater sports icon to bring to theatrical life than Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi, unquestionably one of the most inspirational and quotable personalities of the time. The story centers around Lombardi’s relationships and beliefs, as his wife Marie explains when talking about Vince’s priorities, “One. God, family, and the Green Bay Packers are the most important things in his life. And not necessarily in that order.” The cast of “Lombardi” also brings to life three of Lombardi’s most legendary football players, Paul Hornung, Jim Taylor and Dave Robinson. Fictional sportswriter Michael McCormick is the primary storyteller throughout the play.
To add to the excitement of presenting this Wisconsin-rich play, MTG is also embracing a football tradition by throwing a “Thursday Night Tailgate — Green Bay comes to Monroe” on October 7, at the Ludlow Mansion Events venue, from 5-9 p.m. This event features special appearances by Dave Robinson, pro-football Hall of Fame and Packers Legend, author Royce Boyles, sportswriter of three books on Lombardi, and the cast of “Lombardi” in a scene from the play. Tickets for this MTG fundraiser also include tailgate food, selected free beverages and a cash bar. Persons in attendance will have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items donated by local businesses and individuals, and a football signed by the 2020 Packers team and coaches.
“Lombardi”, part of the Colony Brands Performance Series, will be presented at the Monroe Theatre Guild, 910 16th Avenue, Monroe on the Colony Brands Stage, Fridays, Oct. 1 and 8 at 7 p.m., and Saturdays, Oct. 2 and 9, matinees at 2 p.m. and evenings at 7 p.m. Ticket sales for the play and for the “Thursday Night Tailgate” are open now on the MTG website, monroetheatre.com, or at the Monroe Arts Center during their regular business hours, or by calling 608-325-1111.
