St. Cloud State will hold a free public reading of the new stage adaptation of “It Can’t Happen Here,” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24, on the Performing Arts Center’s Arena Stage.
The reading is based on Sinclair Lewis’ 1935 novel of the same name. The novel was adapted into a play, which opened across theaters nationwide on the same night in 1936.To commemorate the 80th anniversary of those productions, regional theaters, universities and communities across the country will read the new adaptation by Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Artistic Director Tony Taccone and screenwriter Bennett S. Cohen. Admission to the reading is free. Parking is available in the 4th Avenue Parking lot for $3 for the evening.
“It Can’t Happen Here” follows the rise of Berzelius Windrip, a demagogue who becomes the U.S. president by promising to return the country to greatness, and journalist Doremus Jessup, who opposes Windrip’s new regime.
The novel was written during the rise of fascism in Europe. 
St. Cloud State’s reading is bringing together a cast of community members, alumnae, staff and faculty.
“‘It Can’t Happen Here’ is so point on with this election, it is equal parts thrilling and appalling,” said Carol Cooley, who is organizing the readings at St. Cloud State. “It’s not just pacing the election, it’s predicting its potential aftermath, and I wanted our community to participate in the nationwide night of readings.”
Cooley’s interest in participating in the reading was enhanced by St. Cloud State’s connections to Lewis, who grew up in Sauk Centre and often visited his brother’s home in St. Cloud, which is now the home to the St. Cloud State Alumni Foundation.
The University Archives holds a large collection of Lewis’ personal letters. KVSC’s Untold Stories of Central Minnesota segment will record the reading and air the segment by Nov. 7 and produce a podcast.
