HSU Theatre production starts Feb. 23 
Women love bad boys, they say. But in J. M. Synge’s Playboy of the Western World, a whole village falls in love with one.
Henderson State University Theatre will present seven performances of Synge’s timeless comedy Feb. 23, 24, 25, 27 and March 2, 3, and 4. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. A reception will follow the opening night performance.
The play is a humorous tale of an Irish lad who staggers through a pub door and soon confesses that he has killed his father. In his depiction of the relationship between the young man and an attractive, strong-willed local woman, Synge explores the effects of social conventions and celebrates the power of the imagination.
The cast includes: Nicholas Bius of Benton; Anna Brantley of White Hall; Georgeann Burbank of Benton; Damien Freeman of Sheridan; Reagan Hammonds of Benton; Adrian Hinojosa of Hot Springs; Joe Kalinowski of Searcy; Dakota Mansfield of Benton; Andrew McBride of Benton; Anthony McBride of Benton; Savannah Reynolds of Monticello; Jacey Russell of Morrilton; and Nidhi Thakar of Hope.
The play is under the direction of Douglas Gilpin, professor of theatre, who is also designing costumes. Scenic design is by Michael McMahen of Ft. Smith; lighting design is by Jennings Johnson of Heber Springs; hair and makeup design is by Anthony McBride of Benton; and sound design is by Dr. Claudia Beach, director of theatre. Stage manager is Brittany Carter of Sheridan.
The HSU Theatre Box Office in Arkansas Hall will be open for advance ticket sales from 1-4 p.m. beginning Monday, Feb. 20. All seats are reserved. Admission is $8, or free with an HSU student ID, courtesy of the Student Activities Board.
For more information or reservations, call 870-230-5291, or e-mail theatre@hsu.edu.