Aug. 28, 2003

Contact: Charla Jenkins, University Theatre, (785) 864-2684.

KU Theatre cancels Sept. 6 'Picnic' show; patrons urged to attend football game

LAWRENCE -- The Saturday, Sept. 6, performance of William Inge's drama "Picnic" at the University of Kansas has been canceled to avoid competing with the KU Jayhawks' football game with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The University Theatre is reviving its summer production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play as a kickoff to the 2003-04 University Theatre season. Performances are now at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 7 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall.

John Staniunas, associate professor and artistic director of the University Theatre, said the decision to cancel was made in an effort to support the KU football team.

"September 6 is Band Day, and we want to support the bands too," Staniunas said. "We have a great relationship with both our neighbors -- the athletics department and the KU bands. We just didn't want to compete with an event we support so much."

Patrons with tickets to the Sept. 6 performance may exchange them for another performance, Staniunas said.

"We urge people to go to the game Saturday evening either before or after they see 'Picnic' Friday or Sunday."