KU News Release

Nov. 15, 2006
Contact: Charla Jenkins, University Theatre, (785) 864-2684.

University Theatre to stage classic Noel Coward comedy ‘Hay Fever’

LAWRENCE — University Theatre at the University of Kansas and TCK Trust and Financial Advisors will present Noel Coward’s rollicking comedy “Hay Fever” to close out the fall semester. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 2, 6, 7 and 9 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall.

The production is directed by Jack B. Wright, professor of theatre and film at KU. Scenic designer is Kelly Vogel, Lawrence master’s degree student in scenography. Del Unruh, professor of theatre and film, is lighting designer, and Lawrence artist Ione Unruh has created the costume designs. Sound design is by Chloe M. Wong, Junction City senior in theatre design, and diction coach is Paul Meier, professor of theatre and film.

Two theatre and film faculty members and professional actors are performing in the production. Leslie Bennett, assistant professor of theatre and film, is portraying Judith Bliss, and John Staniunas, associate professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and Film, is playing David Bliss.

According to Wright, “Hay Fever” is different from other plays in that it is entirely character driven.

“Usually the plot captures the audience’s attention, but in this show, there really is no plot — or not much of one. The show relies solely on the antics of the colorful characters to make it come to life.”

Written in just three days when Coward was only 24, “Hay Fever” opened in London in June 1925 and ran for 337 performances.

Set in an English country house, the comedy centers around the Bliss family: Judith, a retired actress itching to return to the stage; her husband, David, a novelist; their son, Simon, an artist; and daughter, Sorel, who possesses no specific artistic talent but can certainly hold her own in playing up to her mother. Unbeknownst to the others, each family member has invited a guest for the weekend. At some point during the weekend, the family forces their guests to be the audience/participants in wonderfully funny improvisations on stock dramatic situations. Their goal is not to “get the guests” but to exercise their imaginations.

The weekend at the bohemian family’s home is actually based on an experience Coward had when visiting Broadway star Laurette Taylor and her husband, Hartley Manners, and their family in 1921. Observing and falling prey to the family’s outrageous behavior prompted him to write “Hay Fever.”

Friends of the Theatre is sponsoring a talkback with the director, designers and cast immediately following the Saturday, Dec. 2, performance.

“Hay Fever” is KU’s entry in the 2007 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival XXXIX and will be in competition for selection to the Region V KC ACTF festival in Ames, Iowa, in January.

Reserved-seat tickets for “Hay Fever” are on sale in the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, 864-3982; Lied Center, 864-ARTS; and SUA box office, 864-7469. Tickets can also be purchased online. Tickets are $16 for the public, $10 for students and $15 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff. VISA and Mastercard are accepted for phone and online orders.

Student cast members and those with production responsibilities are listed below by name, class level and major, parents’ names (when available), high school and role.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence
Kelly Vogel, master’s degree student in scenography; Turner High School, Kansas City, Kan.; scenic design.

FINNEY COUNTY
From Garden City
Alicia Gian, master’s degree student in theatre, daughter of Michael and Janis Gian; Garden City High School, Myra Arundel.

GEARY COUNTY
From Junction City
Chloe M. Wong, senior in theatre design, daughter of Victor and Sandra Wong; Junction City Senior High School; sound design.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Leawood
Courtney Schweitzer, senior in theatre, daughter of Ken and Linda Schweitzer; Blue Valley High School; Jackie Coryton.

KEARNY COUNTY
From Lakin
Chelsie S. Shipley, sophomore in theatre, daughter of Price Shipley and Sue Shipley; Lakin High School; Clara.

PAWNEE COUNTY
From Larned
Kate Giessel, senior in theatre and linguistics, daughter of Tom and Sheryl Giessel; Larned High School; Sorel Bliss.

ILLINOIS
From Crystal Lake
Mark Mackie, senior in theatre and film, son of John and Janet Mackie; Crystal Lake Central High School; Richard Greatham.

MINNESOTA
From Lakeville
Justin Knudsen, senior in theatre and English, son of Ken and Barb Knudsen; Lakeville Senior High School; Simon Bliss.

MISSOURI
From Kansas City
Erik LaPointe, sophomore in theatre, son of Michelle LaPointe and Dan White; Rockhurst High School; Sandy Tyrell.

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