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Next A-State Theatre Production Opens Friday, Feb. 16

02/08/2018

JONESBORO – Arkansas State University Theatre will present Sarah Ruhl’s "In the Next Room, or the vibrator play." Performances will be Friday and Saturday, Feb. 16-17, and Monday through Wednesday, Feb. 19-21, at 7:30 p.m. in The Simpson Theatre located in Fowler Center.

The production will be directed by Marc Williams, assistant professor of theatre.

Based on the bizarre historical fact that doctors in the 1880s used vibrators to treat ‘hysterical’ women (and some men), the play centers on a doctor and his wife and how his new therapy affects their entire household. It was nominated for a Tony Award for Best New Play.

Cast members are:

  • Catherine Givings: Alyssa Burleson, senior theatre major from North Little Rock
  • Dr. Givings: Joshua Pryor, freshman theatre major from Clinton
  • Sabrina Daldry: Emma Watkins, senior theatre major from Jonesboro
  • Annie: Courtney Light, senior theatre major from Alicia
  • Leo Irving: Carson Horton, freshman theatre major from Batesville
  • Elizabeth: Christa McLean, sophomore theatre major from Sherwood
  • Mr. Daldry: Zac Passmore, junior Theatre major from Jonesboro

Jeff McLaughlin, assistant professor of theatre, serves as the set designer, Claire Abernathy, assistant professor of theatre, serves as the costume designer, and Caisa Sanburg, assistant professor of theatre, serves as the lighting and sound designer.      

Upcoming shows at A-State Theatre include "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," which will be performed April 13-14 and 16-18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Drama Theatre located in Fowler Center.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the A-State Box Office, online, or at Fowler Center one hour prior to each performance.  For additional information and questions, email lbohn@AState.edu or call (870) 972-3315.

The Department of Theatre at Arkansas State University produces six plays each year from a variety of playwrights, styles and genres, classical and contemporary dramas, comedies and musicals, as well as children’s theatre productions, which shape the typical A-State Theatre season. 

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