Beyond Therapy comes to Todd Theater

Beyond Therapy, the latest production by the International Theatre Program, opens April 23 in Todd Theater. Taking the stage will be junior Daleep Akoi, senior lecturer Mariko Tamate, and sophomore Lisa Freedman.

When lonely heart Bruce meets equally lonely Prudence through a personal ad, the resulting mismatch is disastrous. But no disaster quite matches up to the craziness of their respective therapists, nor to the effect that Bruce's lover Bob, his hysterical singing mother, partial amnesia, and other surprises exert on the action, leading to the description of Beyond Therapy as "a play filled with unruly laughter and outlandish amusement."

Durang has been called one of the funniest writers working in American theater today. He has been a Tony Award nominee, has won numerous Obie awards, and is the recipient of Guggenheim, Rockefeller, and CBS Playwrighting fellowships. Beyond Therapy has been produced around the world, including on Broadway, and was made into a movie starring Jeff Goldblum and directed by Robert Altman.

The University's production will be directed by artistic director Mervyn Willis, whose previous University credits include Noises Off, Woyzeck, and Coriolanus. Craig Clipper, the set and costume designer, has worked on the Rosie O'Donnell Show, the New York City Opera, and Buffalo's Arena Stage. He also designed the 1994 University production of Tennessee Williams' Orpheus Descending.

Original music and sound design are by Greek composer and musician Alexandros, who has worked extensively in New York City and in film. Lighting design is by Mark Scarborough, who designed lights for last season's production of Baal.

The play will run April 23-25 and April 30-May 2 at 8 p.m. On April 26, there will be a 3 p.m. matinee interpreted for the deaf. All performances take place in Todd Theater in Todd Union on the River Campus.

Tickets for staff, faculty, and seniors are $7; tickets for students are $5; and general admission is $8. Group discounts are available. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling x5-4088.