LSU Theatre celebrated its 75th anniversary with the opening night of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” at the Shaver Theatre Wednesday night.
According to the LSU Theatre Department Web site, the Pulitzer Prize winning play “epitomizes fundamental American values and the precious details of everyday living.”
The play is composed entirely of undergraduates and one graduate student, with the exception of the character Mrs. Soames, who will be played by former department head Gresdna Doty.
The play is set at the turn of the 20th century and reveals the ordinary lives of the people in the small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. The character of the Stage Manager, played by graduate student Shawn Halliday serves as narrator for the daily actions and emotions of the characters.
On Saturday, the cast and crew of “Our Town” will be a part of LSU Theatre’s Diamond Jubilee Benefit Celebration.
The event, held at 5:30 p.m. at the LSU Faculty Club, includes food, guest speakers and the 7:30 p.m. performance of the play.
“The Diamond Jubilee Benefit Celebration of our 75th year is a really special event for LSU Theatre and anyone who attends,” said Adam Miller, director of marketing and public relations for LSU Theatre. “This is a wonderful opportunity to see the play and hear great speakers and the proceeds go toward scholarships.”
Three LSU Theater alumni, Wil Calhoun, former executive producer of “Friends,” Chris Boneau of the New York theatrical public relations firm Boneau/Bryan-Brown and Amela Baksic an accomplished costume designer, are honorary co-chairs of the event.
Tickets for the celebration are $50, including admission to the play. Discounts are available for students at $15 and faculty at $45.
Regular performances of “Our Town” are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 19 through Nov. 22 and Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 4 through Dec. 6. Matinees will be performed at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23 and Dec. 7.
Tickets for the performances are $15.50 for adults, $13.50 for seniors and LSU faculty and staff and $8.50 for students and are available online at www.theatre.lsu.edu.