KU News Release

University Theatre to present double dose of holiday ‘cheer’

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas’ University Theatre will present a double bill of contemporary plays Nov. 12-18.

Performances of “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You” by Christopher Durang and “The SantaLand Diaries” by David Sedaris are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 14, 15, 16 and 17; 5 p.m. Nov. 11 and 18; and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 12 in the William Inge Memorial Theatre in Murphy Hall.

Julia Clarke, Riverside, Calif., graduate student, is directing the two plays. Scenic designer is John G. Nichols, Derby senior; lighting designer is Travis Haugh, Salina senior; and costume designer is Rudi Metzler, Milford senior.

“Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You” was first presented off Broadway by Playwrights Horizons in New York City in 1981. Written as a long one-act play, it is influenced by Durang’s experiences being raised as a Catholic and attending Catholic schools.

In the play, Sister Mary Ignatius is giving a lecture, pointing to drawings of the Earth, moon and sun, then drawings of heaven, hell and purgatory. She explains, sometimes with impatience, about the Immaculate Conception and lists what sins send people to hell. She is assisted by a sweet and obedient student who, on cue, can recite answers to catechism questions while being rewarded with cookies. Her lecture is interrupted by four ex-students who have come to put on a beloved Christmas pageant. The pageant is clearly the work of an innocent child but sounds slightly off with adults presenting it. The play darkens as the true motive of one of the ex-students becomes clear.

“The SantaLand Diaries,” originally written as an essay, was adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello. It is a hilarious one-man play about the author’s experiences working as an elf in SantaLand at Macy’s in New York City. Chronicling everything from his dismay at having to choose an “elf name” to his questionable co-workers, the quality of visitors and his final relief at the end of the season, the play is an irreverent antidote to all the relentless good cheer of the holiday season.

Both these plays deal with adult subject matter and include strong language. They are not suitable for children.

Friends of the Theatre is sponsoring a Tuesday Talkback with the director, designers and cast immediately following the Tuesday, Nov. 14, performance.

General admission tickets are on sale at the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, 864-3982; Lied Center, 864-ARTS; and SUA Office, 864-7469. Tickets can also be purchased online. Tickets are $12 for the public, $10 for students and $11 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff. VISA and Mastercard are accepted for phone and online orders.

Cast members of “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You” are listed below by name, level in school and major, parents’ names, high school and role. Adam Burnett of Topeka is the only cast member in “The SantaLand Diaries.”

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Leawood
Tosin Morohunfola, freshman theatre and film major, son of Kenny and Ajoke Morohunfola’ Blue Valley High School; Gary Sullivan.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
From Leavenworth
Jonathan Matteson, junior theatre major, son of Christine McNeill Matteson and Wallace Matteson; Leavenworth High School; Aloysius Benheim.

SALINE COUNTY
From Salina
Lauren R. Marshall, senior theatre/voice major, daughter of Eric and Barbara Marshall; Salina High School South; Sister Mary Ignatius.

SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Wichita
Katie Oberthaler, freshman English major, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Oberthaler; Maize High School; Thomas.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
Adam R. Burnett, junior theatre major, son of Russ Burnett and Vicki Fulmer; Topeka High School; David Sedaris in “The SantaLand Diaries.”

WYANDOTTE COUNTY
From Kansas City
Erin Jevons-Lee, senior theatre major, daughter of Dr. Sharon Lee and Dr. Robert Jevons; St. Teresa’s Academy; Diane.

ILLINOIS
From Downers Grove
Meg Saricks, senior theatre major, daughter of Chris and Joyce Saricks; Downers Grove South High School; Philomena.

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