Theatre to stage updated version of 'The Way of the World'

February 24 1999

THEATRE TO STAGE UPDATED VERSION OF 'THE WAY OF THE WORLD'

LAWRENCE -- A new adaptation of William Congreve's classic comedy "The Way of the World" will be staged at the University of Kansas in March under the direction of the script's adapter, Ronald A. Willis, KU professor of theatre and film. Performances are at 8 p.m. March 5 and 6, and 11-13, and at 2:30 p.m. March 7, in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre.

First produced in London in 1700, "The Way of the World" is widely hailed as an intelligent comedy filled with wit and wry social commentary from one of England's most acclaimed satirists. Willis has moved the setting of the play to New York in the early 1930s when the threatened socially elite were especially conscious of their need to shore up their status and financial futures.

"I did the adaptation to make the play more accessible for modern audiences unfamiliar with 17th century language patterns," Willis said. "I went through the script, speech by speech, and offered a modern paraphrase either eliminating or transliterating references that might escape the minds of a 20th century lay audience."

The play's scenic and lighting designs are by Liana M. White, Lawrenceville, Ga., graduate student, and costume and make-up designs are by Bill Nelson, Kernersville, N.C., graduate student.

Reserved seat tickets for "The Way of the World" are now on sale in the KU box offices: Lied Center, 864-ARTS; Murphy Hall, 864-3982, SUA Office 864-3477. Tickets are $12 for the public, $6 for all students, and $11 for senior citizens. Both VISA and MasterCard are accepted for phone orders.

Members of the cast for the KU production include (listed by name, class, parents' names, home address, and role):

From Great Bend: Damon Klassen, senior, son of Jan and Lowell Klassen, 5003 Timber Creek, Betty.

From Lawrence: Bryan Claibourn, junior, 1012 Emery Road, Wilfull Witwoud.; Kate Turnbull, junior, daughter of Rud and Ann Turnbull, 1636 Alvamar Drive, Aurelia Wishfort.

From Jetmore: Heather L. Jewell, senior, daughter of Mrs. Dale Hingle, Box 666, Peg.

From Leawood: Ryan Matthew Colwell, freshman, son of James and Doreen Colwell, 2808 W. 131st, Norville Petulant.
From Olathe: Jared Hamilton, junior, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hamilton, 217 Brittany, Anthony Witwoud.; Nicholas Schmitz, junior, son of Barb and Dan Schmitz, 721 N. Persimmon Drive, Edward Mirabell.
From Overland Park: Kate Haugan, freshman, daughter of Steve and Cindy Haugan, 7608 W. 115th, Emma Millamant.

From Manhattan: Jennette Selig, senior, daughter of Karen and Alan Selig, 500 Wickham, Arabella Fainall.; Gwethalyn Williams, junior, daughter of Jenell and Berney Williams, 2007 Parkway Drive, Mincing.

From Topeka: Catherine Hesse, senior, daughter of Paul Hesse, 541 Danbury Lane, Amanda Marwood.

From Los Angeles: Charlie Hirsch, sophomore, son of Mr. and Mrs. James G. Hirsch, 1075 Casiano Road, Waitwell.

From Springfield: Andrew Stowers, senior, son of Larry and Marianne Stowers, 2208 Westview Drive, John Fainall.

From Lee's Summit: Phannie Davis, senior, daughter of Dr. John and Paula Davis, 609 NE Persimmon Circle, Foible.
From Parkville: Anne Kroman, freshman, daughter of James and Deborah Kroman, 6718 NW Monticello Drive, Curdle.

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