Theatre Production: Larry Lackson and the Law of Attraction

October 14, 2024

The Grand View Theatre Department proudly presents, "Larry Lackson and the Law of Attraction!"

Larry Lackson is a young and joyful brown boy who is happy living his life and growing up in Flint Michigan, until his hero father, Dr. Leo Lackson makes the difficult decision to move his family away to Des Moines, Iowa, so they will be safely away from the dangers of the water crisis.

Though Larry is forced to be separated from his father for a noble reason, the shock of not being able to see him every day is devastating. This decision is painful for the entire family, but Larry takes it the hardest and he loses his joy.  Larry's twin sister Patrice is annoyingly positive and manages to fit in at their new school right away, and Larry's patient and kind mother holds the family together with grace.  But all Larry can think about is how much he is lacking without his father's prized presence, and he starts to spiral. What type of life will Larry’s new “lack mindset” manifest for him in his new home? Will he lose the spark that makes his smile so bright? Can he learn the Law of Attraction and make the best out of this sad situation?

Join us on this self-growth journey and find out!

In addition to on campus performances, Grand View received the NEA Challenge America Grant. The grant helps the crew tour this FREE play for young audiences and offer free performances to the community on our campus.

The tour takes place Monday, October 14 - Friday, October 14 to 10 local schools. This play is FOR Des Moines Elementary School kids!  It's written just for them.  

Information about free, on-campus performances can be found here.

Playwright, Emmett Saah Phillips, Jr: 

Emmett Saah Phillips Jr. is a professional stage actor, poet, Hip Hop artist, and educator based in Des Moines, Iowa. His passion is to use performance art as a vehicle for social justice, self-empowerment, and community engagement. His impactful work in the arts, education, and community activism earned him a feature article in the January/February 2023 issue of DSM Magazine, as one of four “up-and-coming 20-somethings” that are making positive changes in Des Moines. Emmett is the Career Pathways Program Facilitation at the Oak Studio Best Buy Teen Tech Center.  Emmett has also worked as a Youth Navigator at Oakridge Neighborhood, a Cultural Ambassador with CultureAll, and a teaching artist with the Des Moines Art Center. Though Emmett has been committed to community service and education for over 10 years, he has continued to make strides in his career as a professional artist. He has starred in plays such as The Piano Lesson and A Raisin in the Sun with Pyramid Theatre Company, Holes with Des Moines Playhouse, and Akeelah and the Bee with Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. He was also commissioned to create and perform an original poem at the 2022 World Food Prize Laureate Award Ceremony live on Iowa PBS in front of an international audience. Emmett is dedicated to artistic excellence and uplifting each community he serves with love and intentionality.