257 CHALLENGES, PERILS OF PENDING PARENTHOOD FOCUS OF ‘BABY’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 30, 2008
CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919 or lrollins@mtsu.edu

CHALLENGES, PERILS OF PENDING PARENTHOOD FOCUS OF ‘BABY’
MTSU Production Offers Theatergoers ’Smart, Energetic Show,’ Gibson Says

(MURFREESBORO)—MTSU’s Department of Speech and Theatre will tackle the exciting, frightening and utterly transformational role of parenthood when it presents “Baby,” a musical, at 7:30 nightly Feb. 15-16 and 20-23 at in MTSU’s Tucker Theatre.
Set in Chicago, the production focuses on three couples who are embarking on one of life’s most amazing journeys, childbirth. Liz and Danny are university juniors who have just moved in together. Pam and husband Nick, a sports instructor, are having some trouble conceiving. Meanwhile, Arlene, already the mother of three grown daughters, is unsure of what to do and is contemplating abortion, even though her husband, Alan, is thrilled with the thought of a new baby.
Throughout the course of this nine-month period, these lovable and quirky characters experience the emotional stresses and triumphs, and the desperate lows and the comic highs, that accompany the anticipation and arrival of a baby.
Based on the book written by Sybille Pearson, “’Baby’ is a smart, energetic show with a lot of charm,” said Jeff Gibson, director, MTSU Theatre. “Audiences should love this show for its great characters and music. It’s packed with music and laughter, and ‘Baby’ moves beyond mood swings and labor pains to celebrate life—and the challenges of creating it!
Dale E. McGilliard, MTSU professor and the musical’s producer, said “’Baby’ appealed to me as a really exciting look at having a baby. It is a fun show, people trying to get pregnant or being pregnant. ‘Baby’ is greatly nostalgic, cute and heartwarming.
“It’s a perfect show for anyone who’s ever had a baby … or anyone who’s ever been one!” he added.
• TICKET INFO: Tickets for “Baby” may be purchased at the door on the evening of the performance. Ticket prices range from $5 to $10. MTSU students will be admitted free of charge with a valid ID.
For more information, please call (615) 494-8810 or visit the theater program’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 lrollins@mtsu.edu.