ASU Theatre Department to open
After Juliet on Friday, Sept. 30

Sept. 23, 2005 -- The Department of Theatre at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro will open the 2005-06 season at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, with “After Juliet” by Sharman MacDonald in Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive.

Set during the aftermath of the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, the Capulets and Montagues continue to fued, though the families are commanded to a truce. Romeo’s best friend, Benvolio, is in love with Juliet’s revenge bent cousin, Rosaline. Will they choose war or peace?

The production of “After Juliet” is under the direction of Jeff McLaughlin, associate professor of theatre. Scenic design is by Summer Allen, a senior theatre major from Springdale. Lighting design is under the direction of Matt White, a senior theatre major from Springdale. Kelly Schaefer, assistant professor of theatre, will serve as costume designer. Brian Laveck, a junior theatre major from Olive Branch, Miss., served as fight choreographer. Stage management duties for the season opening production have been assigned to Misty Clark, a senior theatre major from Trumann.

The cast includes Brook Scalzo as Rosaline, a senior theatre major from Memphis; William Rowland as Benvolio, a junior theatre major from Jacksonville; Jeremy Smith as Mercutio, a freshman theatre major from Wynne; Whitney Elliott as Alice, a sophomore theatre major from Magnolia; Katie Holland as Bianca, a senior theatre major from Little Rock; Kyle Hamsher as Gianni, a junior theatre major from Jacksonville; Tonya Rogers as Helena, a senior theatre major from Springdale; Ashlee Wiseman as Livia, a junior theatre major from Searcy; Paul Harrell as Lorenzo, a junior theatre major from Jonesboro; Ross Willett as Petruchio, a junior theatre major from Jonesboro; Mary Claire DePriest as Rhona, a junior theatre major from Jonesboro; Justin Crisler as the drummer, a senior interdisciplinary studies major from Hoxie; Brandon Doty as the announcer, a junior theatre major from Jonesboro; and Britten Ashcraft as Angelica the nurse, a junior theatre major from Pine Bluff.

Other performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, Tuesday, Oct. 4, and Wednesday, Oct. 5, in Fowler Center.

“After Juliet” performance tickets prices are $9 at the door or $7 in advance.

Tickets may be purchased in advance for reserved seating at the ASU Central Box Office in the Convocation Center, by calling 870-972-ASU1 or online at tickets.astate.edu. Reserved seating tickets may be purchased at the door on the evening of the performance. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended.

Children under age six will not be admitted. Please arrive early, as latecomers will not be seated. For more details, please call the Theatre Department at 870-972-2037.

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