298 ‘THE COUNTRY WIFE’ PRANCES ONTO TUCKER STAGE THIS SPRING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2007
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919



(MURFREESBORO)—William Wycherley’s comedy of manners, “The Country Wife,” will come to life at 7:30 nightly March 30-31 and April 4-7 in MTSU’s Tucker Theatre as the next offering in the MTSU CenterStage Series.
“Love, lust, deception, curious wives and jealous husbands make this 1675 Restoration Comedy one of the funniest and most vulgar plays of its time,” remarked Jeff Gibson, assistant professor, speech and theatre, who adds that for 200 years, it was considered too outrageous to be performed.
According to the play’s storyline, London's elite are reeling from the news that its most notorious playboy, Jasper Horner, is back from France and rumored to be a medically certified eunuch. Consequently, husbands practically throw their wives at him, delighted that they can have affairs without losing their honor. However, Horner has not been so honest and seduces the wives of his all too trusting friends. Horner's cleverness is taxed, though, when he becomes involved with Margery Pinchwife, a newlywed from the country whose husband is an extremely jealous fop who will protect her innocence at any cost.
“Most of our students have never performed in a play from the Restoration period, and so this show is an exceptional opportunity for them to learn the style of that time,” said Deborah Anderson, professor of speech and theatre and the show’s producer.
“I have spent a lot of time with the students in developing the movement, posture and language of the Restoration period, because we want this show to be as historically true and authentic as possible,” she added.
Production organizers said the dedicated work of Tommy Macon, director of costume, played a vital role in making the show authentic. It was the job of Macon and his staff to recreate the embellished fashion of the late 1600s, including big wigs, elaborate costumes and fancy footwear.
“We are extremely privileged to have Tommy Macon on our faculty,” remarked Anderson, regarding the first-year costume director. “He is a true professional in his field and has designed absolutely stunning costumes for our production.”
Not only will the production be beautiful to view, but also promises to provide much humor and wit for audiences.
Ryan Chittaphong, a senior theater major who plays the role of Pinchwife, said, “I have been having such a blast doing this show. I don’t think I have ever laughed so much in rehearsals than I have for this production.
“There are just so many clever puns and sharp lines within the dialogue,” he added, “and I think the audiences are truly going to love every minute of it.”
•TICKET INFO: Tickets for “The Country Wife” may be purchased at the door on the evening of the performance. Prices range from $4 to $8. MTSU students will be admitted free of charge with a valid I.D. For more information please call (615) 494-8810 or visit the department’s Web site at www.mtsu.edu/~theatre.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA—For editorial needs, including interview requests with performers or faculty, photo requests or to obtain review tickets, please contact Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at MTSU at 615-898-2919.