WILSON, N.C. — Roaring laughter will fill the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre at Barton College from November 8-11 as Theatre at Barton performs “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress,” a contemporary comedy by Oscar, Emmy, and Golden-Globe winning writer, Alan Ball.
Set during an elaborate wedding at the bride’s home in Knoxville, Tenn., the five bridesmaids find refuge in the room of Meredith, the sister of the bride. Outrageous stories and experiences are disclosed, resolution and bonding ensues, but along the way, the breakdowns and hilarity will leave the audience in stitches.
This is the first time Theatre at Barton has performed a “contemporary, realistic comedy,” but producer Adam Twiss, director of Theatre at Barton, is committed to engaging his students in a variety of genres and materials. “Our approach to theatre training has a double emphasis,” Twiss says. “Students develop the skills demanded of a successful theatre artist, all the while expanding the breadth of their experience and the tools needed to secure work beyond college.”
The cast of this production represents a cross-section of Barton’s theatre program; experienced seniors work alongside freshmen and sophomores in this surprisingly demanding genre. And, to provide even more opportunity for students to move out of their comfort zone and stretch their performance muscles, Theatre at Barton has engaged a terrific guest director, David Sennett, for this production. The student cast of “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” has learned to respond to a variety of directing voices, which Twiss believes is one key to creating successful actors.
“’Five Women’ is a tour de force for actors, who get to create rich, full characters with fascinating histories, complex presents, and gratifying visions of their futures,” says Sennett. “In the process of developing and inhabiting the world of ‘Five Women,’ these young artists have taken full advantage of their intelligence, personalities, and especially their imaginations to bring to life the world of the play, a world where coming of age is a process that never ends.”
Twiss and Sennett agree that the theatre students at Barton are ready for the challenge that the bold, contemporary comedy presents, and everyone is looking forward to enjoying the results of their efforts.
Barton College students, faculty, and staff can receive tickets for free at the door (or in advance at www.barton.edu/theatre) with their Barton ID. The price of admission for adults is $15, and $10 for seniors (65 and over), military, and non-Barton students. Twiss rates the comedy PG-13 for adult situations and language, so parental discretion is advised.
For additional information, contact Adam Twiss at 252-399-6484 or email: ajtwiss@barton.edu.
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