March 12, 2008
For Immediate Release
For an Interview:
James Arrington
(801) 863-7157
UVSC’s Theatrical Arts Department continues their 2007-08 season of “the American experience” with the drama “Summer and Smoke” by two- time Pulitzer Prize winner and classic American playwright Tennessee Williams, playing March 20-29 at the Black Box Theater.
“Summer and Smoke” is Tennessee Williams at his most passionate. It introduces the audience to Alma and John in turn-of-the-century Mississippi amidst their individual soul searches that create, in its wake, a fascinating vortex of love, hope and loss.
Director James Arrington, UVSC theatre instructor, is well known for his innovative and soulful approach to productions. Utah audiences have seen his work in numerous plays including many self-written works such as “Farley Family Reunion,” “Here’s Brother Brigham” and UVSC productions of “Enchanted April” and “Farewell to Eden.”
Now, Arrington brings his approach to this Tennessee William's classic. Arrington will rely on the use of simplicity in staging and the use of atmospheric sound, music and lights to give the audience an “unusual atheistic experience.”
“Tennessee Williams writes about people whose lives change dramatically because of how they interact with each other,” said Arrington. “With this production, we show these human relationships in a more artistic rather than realistic way.”
“Summer and Smoke” is also a UVSC acting debut for many of the all student cast.
“It’s always a pleasure to watch young actors perform in ways that give them new insights and discover they had inside them more than they thought,” Arrington said. “I think people will follow the actor’s journey, the character’s journey and really feel the soul of this piece.”
The cast of “Summer and Smoke” includes; Heather Janai Housley (Provo) as Alma, Erik Zane Crossette (St. Joseph, MO) as John Buchanan, Collin Thomas (Orem) as Roger, George Loch (Henryetta, OK) as Dr. Buchanan, Heather Pratt (Riverton City) as Nellie Ewell, Scott M. Stringham (Provo) as Reverend Winemiller, Clayton J. Prete (Orem) as Archie Kramer, Edison Freebairn (Salt Lake City) as Vernon, Jacob Theo Squire (West Valley City) as Dusty, Alauna Bates (Payson) as Mrs. Winemiller, Deidre Wagner Hiatt (Payson) as Rosa Gonzales, Penny Pendleton (Redlands, CA) as Rosemary, Jana Grass (Springville) as Mrs. Basset and Jake Ben Suazo (Levan) as Gonzales.
For more information on “Summer and Smoke” call (801) 863-8797 or visit www.uvsc.edu/campusconnect/events/.
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College Marketing Contact:
Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written by:
Lisa Elzey
(801) 427-6469