University of Idaho to present historical comedy ‘Love, Liz’
Play written by U of I alumna emphasizes the power of choice
January 22, 2025
MOSCOW, Idaho — The University of Idaho Department of Theatre Arts presents “Love, Liz” by alumna Lauren Grove ’23. There will be seven shows starting with opening night at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30. All shows are at the Hartung Theater, 625 Stadium Drive, Moscow.
Additional show dates and times include:
- 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31
- 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
- 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2
- 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7
- 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8
- 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9
“Love, Liz” features Queen Elizabeth I and her closest friends and confidants in a fabulous night of gossip and intrigue. Will Elizabeth’s gal pals convince her that an illustrious marriage and an heir will quell her unruly heart, or will the flutters of her feelings for her rumored Romeo prevail? Get ready to listen to music, paint your nails and meet all of Elizabeth’s suitors — the good, the bad and the handsome. “Love, Liz” is a hilarious romp through history as Queen Elizabeth I of England must decide who (or if) she will marry.
“This play is about the power of choice,” said McKinley Kirk, production stage manager. “It’s about how difficult it is to not let other people decide how your life is going to go. It’s about what happens when you take charge of your own life and your own happiness.”
Playwright Grove, who earned her M.F.A. in theatre arts from U of I, wrote “Love, Liz” as a way to uplift women.
“The play is about a woman trying to make her own way in a world dominated by men,” Grove said. “It’s about female friendships, women supporting other women and about a woman subverting gender roles in the Renaissance era, which mirrors many issues women still have today.”
In addition to celebrating women, Grove also wants to educate audiences through her play.
“I want to make audiences laugh, but I also want to teach them history and shine a light on how women are still fighting for their rightful place in the world, especially the political world, in 2025,” Grove said.
The production blends humor and history in a unique way that is continuously relevant.
“Audiences can expect to enjoy a historical story told in a fun, quirky way,” Kirk said. “They will walk away asking questions about what it means to be a woman, the role of women in historic times versus today and what it meant to stand out from the customs and traditions of the time period.”
Tickets are free for U of I students and $6 to $26 for the public. They are on sale now at uitickets.com.
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Media Contact
Alisa Volz
Communication Specialist
Department of Theatre Arts & Lionel Hampton School of Music
208-885-6465
avolz@uidaho.edu