WMU HOME > ABOUT WMU > WMU NEWS University Theatre stages romantic comedy "Charley's Aunt" Feb. 14, 2005 KALAMAZOO--"Charley's Aunt," the enduring comedy by Brandon Thomas, that shows the dating game was just as complicated and funny in Victorian times as it is today, is presented by the University Theatre at Western Michigan University for seven performances, Feb. 17-26. Performances in the Multiform Theatre of the Gilmore Theatre Complex are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 17-19 and 24-26, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20. All seating is general admission. An opening night reception sponsored by Millennium Restaurant Group will take place after the performance on Feb. 17. "Charley's Aunt" tells of the extremes to which young men will go to spend time with young women. With a spirit that the entire family can enjoy, mistaken identity, long-lost loves and sweet courtship all collide in the play to form the happiest of possible endings. "Charley's Aunt" has become a staple of theatres everywhere since its initial opening in London in 1892. The show's slapstick humor was wildly appreciated, and it was quickly translated into many languages. Until the early 1930s, not a week went by without a performance somewhere in the world. "Charley's Aunt" has also been produced in radio and television formats, has been the basis for a hit Broadway musical, and has been made into least 10 films. Directing "Charley's Aunt" at WMU is Mark Liermannm, assistant professor of theatre. Cast members are WMU seniors Patricia Berry, Joel Gelman, Katrina Morris and Kurt Pickelmann; juniors George Frye, Kathryn Hribar and J. Steadman; and sophomores Katie Dickinson, Seth Miller and Ryan Welsh. Designers include student Benjamin Stickels, sound, and faculty members Gwen Nagle, costumes, and Greg Roehrick, scenery. Guest artist Joseph Appelt, professor of theatre at Northwestern University, will design the lighting for the production. Tickets for "Charley's Aunt" may be purchased by calling or visiting the University Theatre Ticket Office between noon and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number is (269) 387-6222. Admission for the general public is $16, $12 for senior citizens and WMU faculty and staff, and $7 for students. The box offices at Miller Auditorium and at the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo also sell tickets to University Theatre productions. The 2004-05 season of the University Theatre is made possible through a partnership with Millennium Restaurant Group. Media contact: Patrick Donnelly, 269 387-6222, patrick.donnelly@wmich.edu WMU News Office of University Relations Western Michigan University 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA 269 387-8400 www.wmich.edu/wmu/news