JOHNSON CITY – The East Tennessee State University Division of Theatre continues its 2001-2002 season with "The Country Wife" by William Wycherley.
This adult comedy will be presented Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 6-8, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. All performances will be held at the VA Memorial Theatre on the grounds of the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mountain Home.
"The Country Wife," written in 1675, is considered to be one of the greatest of the English Restoration comedies and "a witty and pointed commentary on the roles of husband and wife, love, lust, honor and class."
In the play, London's elite is reeling from the news that its most notorious playboy, Mr. Horner, is back from France, a medically certified eunuch. Horner, a "devilish" rogue, devises a plan to seduce the wives of his friends. Horner's antics, coupled with the men's jealousies and the wives' hidden desires, create "a hilarious mix of innuendo, pride, and honor."
Playing the gallant Horner is one of the Tri-Cities' most gifted actors, Rick McVey, who starred in "A Christmas Carol" and stepped in as Charley in "Death of a Salesman" for the ETSU Division of Theatre last season. Joining McVey are a number of other veterans of the ETSU stage, including James Andes, James Cronin, Allison Guinn, Josh Hite, Chad Martin, Shondar McKinney, Maegan McNerney, Amy Tallmadge, Thomas Townsend and Mary Vaglia. Also on the cast are newcomers Caitlin Davis, Mikal Joplin, Elyse Denae Milligan and Nathan Moffett.
Bobby Funk directs the production. Melissa Shafer serves as scenic designer and lighting designer, and Karen Brewster is the costume designer. Dr. Judy Slagle, chair of the ETSU department of English, serves as the play's dramaturge, and Dr. Don Johnson, poet and dean of the ETSU College of Arts and Sciences, has composed a special prologue for the production.
Tickets prices are $8 for the general public and $4 for students with valid I.D. Special pricing is available for groups of 10 or more who make advanced reservations.
For reservations, more information, or special assistance or seating for persons with disabilities, call the ETSU Division of Theatre box office at (423) 439-7576.