Suspense-filled play at CSC this weekend

Publicity about the play calls it “a disturbing chiller.” It is for mature audiences.

The story follows a woman whose life of accomplishment is quickly destroyed by the troubled admirer. It soon becomes apparent to the woman, Theresa Bedell, that she doesn’t want a relationship with her blind date, but getting rid of him proves to be impossible.

The play becomes “a suspenseful tale about the unraveling of a strong woman’s sense of security in the urban jungle,” the publicity blurb states.

The acting is expected to be outstanding. The lead will be played by Morgan Perry, a 2004 graduate of Missouri Western University who moved to Chadron this fall. While in college, she had leads in plays such as “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Angels in America” and “Endgame.”

“She just kind of fell into our lap here,” said Scott Cavin, CSC assistant professor of theatre who is directing the play. “It’s great to have someone of her experience show up.”

The male lead of Tony Ross will be played by Dan Giffee, a senior from Dawson, Neb., who has appeared in most of the Chadron State theatre productions the past four years. He’s known as a “nice guy” by his colleagues in the department, and is forced to take on a different persona while portraying Ross.

Others in the cast include John Bryan III of Denver and Jesse Hamer of Rapid City, who portray Theresa’s work associates; Erika DeBoer of Morrill, who is cast as a police officer; Barbie Essay of Alliance, a secretary; and Cody Griebel of Hot Springs, whose part is described as “a sexploitation director” that Theresa interviews.

Members of the stage crew include Craig Breedlove of Riverton, Wyo., Colt Neidhardt of Crawford and Brad Buckles and Mason Quinn, both of Cheyenne.

The stage manager is Clint Wright of Oshkosh, assisted by Chelsea Custer of Harrisburg. Jen Beckstead of Havre, Mont., is the custom designer, Alex Schwarz of Bertrand is in charge of the sound and Shelby Wilson of Benkelman is helping with the lights.

Reservations may be made by contacting the Memorial Hall box office at 432-6360. It is open from 1 to 5 p.m. each weekday. Tickets obtained in advance are $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens. There is no charge for CSC personnel if the tickets are obtained in advance. All tickets at the door will be $6.