SPRINGFIELD - The Theatre Program at the University of Illinois at Springfield will conclude its 2007-2008 season with six performances of Tennessee Williams' "serious comedy" Period of Adjustment – Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 4 through 6, and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, April 10 through 12 – in the Studio Theatre, lower level of the Public Affairs Center at UIS. All shows will begin at 8 p.m. except the Sunday performance (April 6), which will begin at 2 p.m.
Period of Adjustment tells the story of two married couples at critical points in their relationships. One couple has been married for five years, the other for one day. The husbands are war buddies -- veterans of the Korean War. One suffers from post traumatic stress and other anxieties, while the other is trying to reconcile his relationship with his wife, who is also the daughter of his boss. Though Williams called his play a "serious comedy," it has a happy ending, and the New York Times review noted that he managed to combine a "humorous viewpoint with deep-seated concern for a very real, human situation." (Information from Dramatists Play Service, Inc.)
Cast members are Elizabeth Bapst* (Dorothea Bates); Ben Beams* (Ralph Bates); Joey Cruse* (George Haverstick); Jack Thomas Hutchison* (Mr. McGillicuddy); Amalia Mathewson (Isabel Haverstick); Mary Myers (Mrs. McGillicuddy); Cassie Oswald* (Susie); and Chris Ray* (Police Officer). (* denotes current UIS student)
UIS Director of Theatre Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson will direct.
Tickets – $12 general adult; $10 senior citizen, 55+ with photo ID; $8 UIS faculty/staff with current i-card; $6 all students with current school ID – are available now at the UIS Ticket Office, located on level two of the Public Affairs Center. Purchase tickets in person, by phone at 217/206-6160 or 800/207-6960 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.uis.edu/theatre. Tickets will also be available at the ticket office on the day of the performance, beginning 90 minutes before curtain time.
For more information about the plays or about UIS Theatre, contact Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson by phone at 206-6613 or by e-mail at ethib1@uis.edu; or go to www.uis.edu/theatre.
