Monday, April 07, 2003

WILMINGTON, NC – William Inge’s play Picnic is the final production of the 2002-03 season for the UNCW University Theatre. This comic, human drama opens at 8 p.m., Thursday, April 24, in Kenan Hall’s SRO Theatre. Additional performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, and Wednesday, April 30, through Saturday, May 3. Matinees will be performed at 2 p.m., Sundays, April 27 and May 4.

Directed by W. Terry Rogers, Picnic is the story of a stranger, Hal Carter, who comes to town and unwittingly becomes a catalyst for change. UNCW senior Ben Brannon from Raleigh plays Carter who sweeps into a Texas town in the 1950s. Flo Owens, portrayed by sophomore Mary Elizabeth Thrasher from Atlanta, and her daughters Millie, played by Lindsey Campbell, a sophomore from Apex, and Madge, portrayed by Sara Meek, a junior from Greensboro, are greatly affected by this stranger who moves in next door. Theatre professors Tom Macie, Tommy Macon and Scott McElheney served as scenic, costume and lighting designers, respectively.

This play marks the final production for Rogers, who joined UNCW’s faculty in 1969. During his tenure, Rogers has directed approximately 100 productions and has worked with hundreds of students on acting, design and production.

The UNCW Art and Theatre Department plans to establish an award in Rogers’ honor that will fund student productions of lesser-known theatrical works. Proceeds from the April 26 performance will benefit this award; tickets are $18 and include a reception. Admission for all other shows are $8, $2 for UNCW students with valid ID.



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For more information, contact Tom Macie at 910/962-3446.