Friday, February 08, 2002

WILMINGTON, NC – The UNC Wilmington University Theatre production of Little Murders will open its five-day run at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20, in Kenan Hall, SRO Theatre. Additional performances are scheduled for 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 21, through Saturday, Feb. 23, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Feb. 24.

Written by Jules Feiffer, Little Murders is a dark comedy that is set in 1967. The play follows the Newquist family as they battle the random violence of city life and the confusion of American society in the late 1960s. Winner of numerous prizes, including the Obie and London Theatre Critics awards, the original off-Broadway production starred Wilmington resident Linda Lavin. In 1971, a film version of Little Murders was released starring Elliot Gould and Donald Southerland.

Dr. Terry Rogers, associate professor of theatre, directs a core cast of eight actors in Little Murders. It also marks one of the last opportunities to see the work of this veteran director. Rogers, who has taught at UNCW for more than 30 years, plans to retire at the end of the 2002-03 academic year. This production also features the talents of two UNCW student designers. Senior theatre major Kelly Brown is scene designer, and junior Emily Eudy is the show’s lighting designer. Visiting professor Tommy Macon supervised costume design that depicts American life in 1967.

Tickets are $5. UNCW students with valid ID receive free admission. Due to limited seating, reservations are encouraged. Call the Kenan Auditorium box office at 910/962-3500.