Texas Woman’s University presents Dead Man’s Cell Phone

by PegNews wire

DENTON — The nature of our most cherished relationships in a culture drowning in technology is examined in Dead Man’s Cell Phone, the Texas Woman’s University drama program’s first production of the 2009-10 season.

The production runs Oct. 8-11. Performances will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8; at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9 and 10; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. All performances will take place in the Redbud Theater Complex, located on the northwest side of historic Hubbard Hall on TWU’s Denton campus. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. To reserve tickets or for more information, visit http://www.twu.edu/drama/ or call the TWU Box Office at 940-898-2020.

Contemporary American playwright Sarah Ruhl is known for creating bold, surrealistic plays that focus on the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. With Dead Man’s Cell Phone, Ruhl walks the line between realism and fantastical absurdity. When Jean (Maribeth Stickel of Cullowhee, N.C.) answers a dead man’s (Nick Clowers of Lake Dallas) ringing cell phone, she thrusts herself into the mysterious relationships he left behind. As she interacts with his mother, Mrs. Gottlieb (Desiree Fultz of El Paso), his brother, Dwight (Andrew Maggs of Denton), his widow, Hermia (Taylor Reed of Seattle, Wash.), and a mysterious woman (Shannon Rasmussen of Dallas), Jean makes it her mission to right his wrongs.

In addition to the cast, the show will feature an ensemble (Cassie Henderson of Howe, Joanna Wesson of Rowlette, Eli Garcia of El Paso, Angela Greco of Denton, and Julia Buford of Richardson) that also acts as the running crew. Rather than hide the set changes, the production will draw attention to the transitions and make the audience aware that they are in a world of make-believe.

Directed by Dr. Patrick Bynane, TWU assistant professor of drama, this production also features the work of both professional and student designers. Set designer Rhonda Gorman, TWU assistant professor of design, will feature set pieces that lend themselves to the fluid staging of the show. Jay Isham, who has designed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for 36 years, will serve as the lighting designer. Two student designers, Brittany Fowler of Decatur and Gerald Young of Denton, will create the costume and sound designs. Kristen Brasher of Denton will serve as stage manager, assisted by Julia Buford.

Source: Texas Woman's University