Henderson State University Theatre will present five performances of Kid Purple by Donald Wollner at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 22, 23, 25, and 2:30 p.m. on February 24 in the Arkansas Hall Studio Theatre. A reception will follow the opening performance.
The comedy examines some of the popular prejudices of our times. Kid Purple is the story of Benjamin Schwartz, who was born with a “slight pigmentational abnormality.” He is purple from the neck up. His is the universal story of the offbeat kid who does not fit the family or community mold and goes out to make a world for himself, searching for happiness in a non-purple world.
The cast of the Kid Purple includes: Baleigh Almond of Hot Springs; Riley Brule of Dekalb, Texas; Aaron Burnside of Hot Springs; Brandon Curtis of West Memphis; Hannah Mims of Fouke; and Cecil Nicholson of Clinton.
The play is under the direction of Douglas Gilpin, professor of theatre arts, with costume and makeup design by William Henshaw, professor of theatre arts, and sound design by Claudia Beach, professor of theatre arts. Joe Kalinowski of Searcy serves as scenic and lighting designer, and Aaron Burnside of Hot Springs is fight choreographer. Stage manager is Wyatt Gunter of Sheridan.
The Feb. 22 performance has been designated Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night. All Henderson faculty and staff and one guest are invited to attend the performance free of charge. Advance reservations are recommended.
The HSU Theatre Box Office in Arkansas Hall will be open for advance ticket sales from 1-4 p.m. beginning Monday, Feb. 18. All seats are reserved. Admission is $10, 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.