11-3-06

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU THEATER DEPARTMENT TO PRESENT ‘SPEAKING IN TONGUES’ NOV. 14-19

     SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – “Speaking in Tongues,” a two-act play by Andrew Bovell that explores betrayal, infidelity, fear and the universal yearning for love, will be the second production of the Slippery Rock University theater department’s season with opening curtain set for Nov. 14 as part of a seven-performance run.

     The play will be staged at 8 p.m. Nov. 14-18 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 18-19 in Miller Auditorium. Tickets are $5 for the public and $3 for SRU students with ID. Reserved seats may be purchased beginning Nov. 8 at the Miller Auditorium Box Office, 724-738-2645. (Hours are 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.)

     The play examines a number of themes without regard for accepted rules of playwriting. Divided in two, “Speaking in Tongues” first involves two couples and how infidelity affects their marriages. The second portion, introduces four characters and several new situations.

      The nine-characters play will be presented by five SRU theater majors: Eric Blackstock of Monroeville, Deanna Brookens of Slippery Rock, Jeff Feola of New Castle, Emily Ludwig of Warren, and Matthew McNear of Beaver.

            Laura Smiley, assistant professor of theater who directs the work, says the play asks the audience to explore questions the characters are asking such as “Who am I?” and “How do I conduct myself in this world?”

      John Pivetz, technical director in Miller, designed the sound. Braden Blauser of Parker is designing the set; Kelly McBane, Pittsburgh, is properties master; Casey Hughes, Roseland, N.J., is lighting designer; Stephanie Brauner, Palm, is costume designer; Nick Quinn, Pittsburgh, is technical director; and Katie Erskine, West Deer, is stage manager, with Bethany Vahabzadeh, Pittsburgh, as assistant.

      PN, PGN, WPN, PR