FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 24, 2012

`When Night Falls…’ to be performed at MUW

By Paige Greene

COLUMBUS, Miss. – The Department of Music and Theatre at Mississippi University for Women will present the world premier of “When Night Falls…,”   in Cromwell Theatre, March 1-3, at 7:30 p.m.

Set to music and without text, it tells of three generations and their sordid history of betrayal because of magic spells, curses and hidden secrets.
MUW students created this “masked tale” together from the ground up. The piece focuses on the physical aspects of theatre. The actors and director did not start with a script, but played with their own ideas, interests, characters and the group’s dynamic. Check out their process at  http://magicalmaskedtheatre.blogspot.com/

“This is the first time I’ve done a devised piece,” said actor Mary Hickox. “It’s a very different rehearsal process and we are not sure what the set is going to look like. It’s very much a collaborative piece.”

The production has provided both challenges and rewards.

“I think it’s really interesting to work in an environment with people I know in a way that I‘ve never worked with them before, said actor Dustin Gibson. “With this new process, we are all birthing and creating at the same time, and I am learning a deeper understanding of the artistic influence of my counterparts and my colleagues.”

The cast includes Leah Thompson and Brittany Trimble of Tupelo; LaVosha Kern of Ethel; Dustin Gibson, Tommy Parson, Joseph Musgrove, Paige Greene and Parker Yarbrough, all of Columbus; Casey Davis of Olive Branch; Casey Duke of Corinth, Tenn.;  Ray Sizemore of  Louisville; Chris Ambrose of  Durant; Mary Hickox of Decatur; and Kayla Manzolillo of Ethelsville, Ala.

The production team includes theatre faculty members William “Peppy” Biddy, who is the show’s producer; Kali Quinn of Providence R.I., who is the visiting director; and David Carter, who is the show’s technical director.

In addition, Mary Wildsmith of Damascus, Md., is the stage manager, and Clara Seitz of Tupelo is the production assistant. Dustin Gibson is the scenic designer and Bronwyn Teague of Tupelo is the lighting designer. Ariana Nowell of Pascagoula is the sound designer. Joseph Musgrove is the costume designer and Casey Duke is the assistant costume designer. LaSquizzie Kern of Ethel is the photographer.

Tickets are $5 for general admission and available for purchase in advance. Doors open at 7 p.m., and all performances begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information or questions about tickets, contact the Department of Communication at (662) 329-7354.