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LAWRENCE -- The University Theatre at the University of Kansas will present "a love letter to the American theatre" when it stages "The Royal Family" later this month. Performances of the comedy are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 through March 1 and March 6 through 8 and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 2, in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall.
Jack B. Wright, KU professor of theatre and film, is directing the production, which he calls "a hilarious celebration of life and of theatre." Scenic designer is Delores Ringer, associate professor of theatre and film, who has created the elegant set of a New York City duplex apartment. The 1920s-style costumes are designed by Beth Collins, Sanderstead, England, graduate student; lighting design is by Aaron Dyszelski, Milwaukee, Wis., graduate student; and choreography is by Leslie Bennett, assistant professor of theatre and film.
Written and premiered in 1927, "The Royal Family" is one of six collaborations between George S. Kaufman, who for 35 years was the topmost author of comedies of the American theatre, and the prize-winning novelist Edna Ferber. The play was intended as a fond spoof of the then-reigning stage family in America, the Barrymores.
"The Royal Family" is an engaging saga of the talented and often eccentric Cavendish clan, a family of fabled actors whose names blazed down from Broadway marquees during the 1920s. Alternating between tender and hilarious, the story of the old and celebrated "first family of the theatre" is a sometimes sharp and biting commentary about people whose off-stage histrionics frequently rival their on-stage performances.
For the KU production, Lawrence actress Betty Laird is portraying the legendary Fanny Cavendish, the grande dame of the family. Laird's television credits include roles in "Sarah, Plain and Tall," "Skylark" and "Sarah Plain and Tall: Winter's End," all with Glenn Close; "Monday After the Miracle" with Roma Downey; "Stolen Women" with Janine Turner; and "My Antonia" with Jason Robards. Onstage, she has appeared in "Love Letters," "Death of a Salesman," "Gioconda Smile," and "Angel Street."
Reserved-seat tickets for "The Royal Family" are on sale through the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, (785) 864-3982; the Lied Center, (785) 864-ARTS; SUA, (785) 864-7469; and online at http://www.kutheatre.com. Tickets are $14 and $12 for the public, $10 for all students, and $13 and $11 for senior citizens.
Cast members include (listed by name, class, parents' names, and role):
DICKINSON COUNTY
From Chapman
Travis Ashmore, sophomore, son of Ruth Linville and Dan Ashmore; hallboy and messenger.
DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence
Scott Johnson, junior, son of Larry and Peggy Johnson; Gilbert Marshal.
Betty Laird; Fanny Cavendish.
Paul Matthew Pool, sophomore, son of Jan Pool and Paul and Teri Pool; The Guest.
Christopher Wheatley, junior, son of Kathy Pryor and Jim Peterson and Ken Wheatley; Perry Stewart.
JOHNSON COUNTY
From Overland Park
Megan Carter, sophomore, daughter of Craig and Roni Carter; Miss Peake.
Aaron Champion, senior, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Champion; Herbert Dean.
Rita DeLoach, senior, daughter of Ralph and Loretta DeLoach; Gwen Cavendish.
David Kobzantsev, senior, son of Vitaly and Elina Kobzantsev; McDermott.
Darren Maloney, junior, son of Timothy Maloney and Terrie Maloney; chauffeur.
Matthew G. Simon, senior, son of Mark and Ellen Simon; Tony Cavendish.
SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Wichita
Kelly Mengelkoch, senior, daughter of Richard and Sheryl Mengelkoch; Kitty Dean.
Elliott Sowards, sophomore, son of Dr. Stephen Sowards and Elizabeth Willis; Jo.
Andrew York, sophomore, son of Ben and Deborah York; hallboy and messenger.
SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
Allison Gabbard, senior, daughter of Dr. Glen Gabbard and Rebecca O'Malley; Della.
MINNESOTA
From Eden Prairie
Maureen Perry, senior, daughter of Richard and Deborah Perry; Julie Cavendish.
NEBRASKA
From Omaha
Isadore Alexander Wolfson, senior, son of Robert and Sheryl Wolfson; Oscar Wolfe.
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