PSU Theatre opens season
Tuesday, October 17, 2017 2:00 AM
People and Society, Arts & Entertainment, News
Pittsburg, KS
Pittsburg State University Theater will produce Charles Mee's bobrauschenbergamerica, a celebratory collage of American life, in the Dottie and Bill Miller Theater inside the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, 19-22.
Bobrauschenbergamerica follows the actions of 10 iconic American characters. Phil, the trucker, collides with his milkshake-drinking, bathing-suit-clad girlfriend while Allan the nerdy scientist waxes poetic about the nature of the universe.
Bob’s Mom, a rural housewife, ensures the ensemble gets plenty to eat with a homemade chicken dinner. Each character and each scene serves as an homage to the style of mid-century artist Robert Rauschenberg, who elevated the bits and pieces of everyday American life to the level of fine art with his collages of tire tracks, newspaper clipings, and stuffed animals.
“The cast has described the play as unlike anything they or our audiences have seen before and I think they are right,” said Director Linden Little. “The production is filled with energy and joy; it is a celebration of the collage that is our varied American experience.”
The ensemble cast of 10 features Susie Lundy as Bob’s Mom, Jade Province as Phil’s Girl, Erika Moore as Susan, and Krista Hightower as Roller Girl. The men of the ensemble include Eddie Murphy as Wilson, Austin VanBecelaere as Phil the Trucker, Stephen Reida as Allen, Garrett Wainscott as Carl, Curtis Wilkins as Becker the filthy derelict, and Cooper Dammrich as Bob the Pizza Guy.
The production staff is composed of costume designer Lisa Quinteros, properties designer Amanda Longpine, scenic artist Katlyn Weve, and stage manager Paige Bowman.
“We have a tremendous amount of student leadership on this production and I am proud of the professional demeanor they each bring to the PSU Theatre Company,” Little said. “This production features a large assortment of moving parts and the cast and crew has responded to each challenge beautifully.”
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, October 19-21, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, October 21-22.
Tickets are $12 for the General Public, $7 for under 17/ Over 65, and free to all PSU students, faculty, and staff with a valid PSU photo I.D. They may be purchased by calling the PSU Ticket Office at 620-235-4796 or at the door starting approximately 30 minutes before each performance.