NSU Theater Presents The Shadow Box

TAHLEQUAH The Northeastern State University College of Liberal Arts, Department of Performing Arts, NSU Theatre Company will present The Shadow Box on Oct. 3 - 6 at 8 p.m. in the NSU Playhouse. There will also be a matinee performance on Saturday Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.

The show, a 1977 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play by Michael Christofer, is about three terminally-ill patients and the effect of their illnesses on the relationships with their loved ones. First performed at the prestigious Mark Taper Forum, The Shadow Box is a well-loved play about the importance of relationships in our lives during devastating times.

While about the victims of death not only the patients themselves, but their loved ones as well, the show negotiates feelings of warmth, comedy, anger and disgust.

The Shadow Box is directed by Robyn Pursley, coordinator of the theater program. Sophomore theatre major Joseph Macias, Tahlequah, plays Joe, a husband and father struggling with telling his family that he is dying. He is joined by Tulsa freshman Noel Huntzinger as his wife, Maggie, and sophomore theatre major James Asher, Eufala, as his son Steve.

The second storyline follows Brian, played by senior theatre major Israel Lister, Tulsa, a man who has recently been deemed terminal and has now vowed to live life to its fullest in the time he has left. Lister is joined by junior theatre major Kyle Leapline as Mark, his lover and caregiver, and sophomore theatre major Callie Harris, Tahlequah as Beverly, his alcoholic ex-wife.

The third storyline follows Felicity, played by sophomore theatre major Angela McLaughlin, Tulsa, an elderly family matron who is surviving purely on hope and Agnes, played by senior theatre and history major Jenny Phillips, Broken Arrow, the eldest daughter and obligated caregiver of an emotionally distant dying mother.

The stories of these three familes are tied together throughout the evening by an Interviewer, played by sophomore Rose Vaught.

Im really excited about sharing this show with an audience, said Pursley. I think people might be surprised at some of the level of talent we have on stage the cast is really doing some wonderful work with this script.

Tickets are $5. For more information, or to reserve tickets, call 918-444-2798.