TAHS thespians take a road trip through Iowa for fall play

A large portion of the play “Leaving Iowa” takes place in the family car. This scene shows the family driving through Iowa, with sleeping kids —played by Natalie Illg and Keiana Xiong in the backseats behind parents Sophia Harsh (mom) and Kenzie Kurrasch (dad). Photo / Per Peterson

It took a number of years and numerous performances of various genres, but the Tracy Area High School theater program appears to have found the ideal role for Natalie Illg, one of the school’s most outgoing thespians.

The uninhibited sophomore plays the often-exasperating Sis in the school’s upcoming presentation of Tim Clue and Spike Manton’s “Leaving Iowa,” a well-known, family-friendly comedy that speaks to the idealism and character of parents from the “Greatest Generation,” and an homage to their dedication to the family road trip.

“My character is a very outgoing, annoying, obnoxious person,” Illg said. “I enjoy it, because then I know I don’t have to act as much!