09/13/2007
OXFORD, Miss. – Theatre arts students at the University of
Mississippi open their production season Sept. 19 with a
black comedy full of controversial issues and in-your-face
humor which they hope will earn them entry in regional and
national competitions.
The Department of Theatre Arts performs “Mr. Marmalade” on
stage in the auditorium of newly renovated Meek Hall Sept.
19-21, 23 and 26-30. Curtain times are Wednesday through
Sunday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10.50
for general admission, $8.50 for seniors and children, and
$7 for Ole Miss students with valid IDs. Call the UM Box
Office at 662-915-7411. Season packages are also
available.
The play takes a funny, dark and biting take on the
psychological landscape of modern childhood. Due to the
subject matter, it is not recommended for children under
13.
“Meek Hall seats 150 people and is extremely intimate,
which adds to the audience’s experience. As a viewer, you
really gain a sense of the characters’ emotions and feel
incorporated in the show,” said director Joe Turner Cantu,
associate professor of theatre arts.
Cantu, known primarily for directing American classics and
Shakespearian plays, said he is excited to be directing
something different.
“Directing Mr. Marmalade’ grants me the opportunity to
produce a theatrically contemporary play that I like,”
Cantu said.
Besides rehearsing countless hours for the show’s upcoming
campus performances, the cast and crew are also preparing
to compete in the regional Kennedy Center American College
Theatre Festival, Cantu said. Started in 1969, the
national program involves some 18,000 students from
colleges and universities nationwide. In January and
February each year, regional festivals showcase the best of
each region’s entered productions. The best and most
diverse regional productions are then chosen to be
showcased in the spring at the annual national festival at
the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Cast member Kaitlyn Curtis, a sophomore theatre arts major
from Hattiesburg, said it “would be so exciting to perform
at the Kennedy Center in D.C., because I grew up watching
performances there.”
“Our cast is extremely driven and passionate about this
production. We are all working together with the common
goal of getting to the Kennedy Center,” Curtis said.
Curtis plays the role of Lucy, a 4-year-old girl who has a
vivid imagination and strange relationships with her “make
believe” friends, especially the creepy and abusive title
character Mr. Marmalade.
“The whole show hinges on Lucy’s imagination,” Curtis said.
“It is very dysfunctional, full of more mature issues like
sex, drug abuse and divorce, but maintains to keep a great
sense of humor.”
“The play is so dark, it goes to the land of ridiculous,”
said Brian Tichnell of Petal, who plays the role of Mr.
Marmalade. “I think the play is going to make people
giggle and squirm in their seat at the same time.”
For more information on the Department of Theatre Arts or
for a complete list of season productions, visit
http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/theatre?arts/.
For assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-5816.