Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of Theatre presents Our Lady of 121st Street in the Mainstage Theatre of the Cultural Arts Building, Feb. 25-March 1. Co-sponsored by the Upperman African American Cultural Center, the play is part of UNCW's celebration of Black History Month.

In Our Lady, written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, beloved community activist and nun Sister Rose has passed and her body has been stolen. Dark, humorous and insightful events unfold as the diverse collection of neighborhood characters she served comfort, confront and confound one another.

"Guirgis is honored as one of the best writers under 40 working in American theater," said Renee Vincent, professor of theatre and head of performance at UNCW, who is directing the play. "Students are fascinated by the urban angst of his outrageous characters, who push the boundaries of civil contemporary life. Yet, they also deeply reflect on the lessons learned, Guirgis's 'school of hard knocks' script, and life found on 121st Street."

Our Lady of 121st Street will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb, 25-27, and Monday, March 1. A matinee performance will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28. All performances will be in the Mainstage Theatre in the Cultural Arts Building on the UNCW campus.

Individual show tickets for all performances are $12 general public, $10 UNCW employee/alumni or senior citizens, and $5 students. A Season Punch Card provides four tickets in any combination for one or multiple performances of one or more of the 2009-10 season plays, with the added benefit of offering advance ticket purchase for all shows. Punch card prices are $40 general public and $30 UNCW employee/alumni or senior citizens.

Punch cards are available in advance through the Kenan Auditorium Box Office at 910.962.3500. Once a patron has a punch card, advance reservations for will-call tickets are made through the Department of Theatre at 910.962.2061. All other tickets are available at the door only. The Cultural Arts Building Box Office is open one hour prior to performances for day-of-show ticket purchase and will-call pickup. For group rates or special accommodations, call 910.962.2061 or e-mail theatre@uncw.edu.

Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu

Video, photo and interview opportunities available with director Renee Vincent and cast members, and media are invited to attend play rehearsals.

Photo caption (applies to both photos posted): The UNCW Department of Theatre presents Our Lady of 121st Street Feb. 25-March 1 in the Cultural Arts Building Mainstage Theatre. Members of the student cast include, top row, left to right: Ashley Murray as Pinky, Christian Serna as Edwin. Bottom row, left to right: Phillip Yarbor as Flip, PJ Barnes as Rooftop, Adam Poole as Balthazar.
Photo credit: UNCW/Kristin Cheshire