Tuesday, April 02, 2002

WILMINGTON, NC – The University Theatre production of Uncle Vanya opens at 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 17, at UNCW’s Kenan Hall, SRO Theatre. Additional performances will be held at 8 p.m., Thursday, April 18, through Saturday, April 20. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, April 21.

Written by Anton Chekhov, Uncle Vanya is the story of ordinary people whose lives are disrupted by beauty and love. UNCW senior Robert Bapst portrays the title character. The object of Vanya’s obsession, Yelena, is played by junior theatre major Abbey Wade. Set in a disintegrating country estate in the final years of Czarist Russia, Uncle Vanya is a comedy of emotional errors. It is also the final production of the University Theatre season.

Renee Vincent, associate professor in the Department of Art and Theatre, directs the cast of seven students. Vincent and set designer Tom Macie, associate professor of theatre, researched 19th century Russia to discover the popularity of glass-walled conservatories or “winter gardens.” This artistic team designed such a multi-purpose room to serve as a backdrop for the entire show. Technical director Scott McElheney, assistant professor of theatre, and his crew of student carpenters created this “winter garden” for the SRO Theatre Stage.

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

For more information, contact DeAnna Toten Beard at 910/962-3403.