A bittersweet comedy about a family vacation.

Frankel Jewish Academy’s Performing Arts Department is excited to present Leaving Iowa. Written by Tim Clue and Spike Manton. Leaving Iowa shines a spotlight on a comedy that needs little in the way of explanation — the delights and disasters of the typical family road trip.

Don, a successful writer who resides in Boston, unleashes a torrent of memories about his childhood with Dad, Mom and Sis when he embarks on a bittersweet task.

After missing his father’s funeral three years before and regretting it ever since, Don plans to make amends by visiting his father’s childhood home where he will inter Dad’s ashes. Ultimately, Don’s journey leads him to reconcile his past and present at an unpredictable and perfect final destination.

The show is under the guidance of Mitch Master, director of the Performing and Visual Arts Department, who has been with FJA since the school was founded in 2000. The cast includes 12 very talented FJA students who have been rehearsing this show for months.

PERFORMANCES: Wednesday, Dec. 6, and Thursday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m.

LOCATION: The Berman Center for the Performing Arts, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield

TICKETS: General admission tickets are $15 each. The Berman will apply a $3 service fee per ticket. Visit The Berman’s Virtual Box Office: theberman.org or call/text (248) 406-6677

CAST:  Samantha Caminker (Dan); Rozalia Aronov (Dad); Emmanuela Arkashevsky (Mom); Eugenia Aronov (Sis); Eliyah Fradkin (Civil War Guy and Bob); Scout Phillips (Aunt Phyllis, Judy and Drunk Lady); Jacob Miller (Uncle Phil, Grandpa, Joe Hoefinger and Fred); Talia Glass (Fruit Cart Lady / Amish Gal /Jessie); Parker Ellenbogen (Jack Singer); Lauren Carroll (Grandma /Amish Guy /Hotel Clerk); Shira Yamstein (Shopping Lady, Museum Assistant, Wayne and Bartender); Jillian Schiffer (Fruit Cart Guy, Cart Chaser and Jamie).

Produced by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.