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Olivier-winner "Pillowman" staged in Multiform Theatre

Feb. 16, 2007

KALAMAZOO--Celebrating its 100th season, University Theatre at Western Michigan University presents seven performances of Martin McDonagh's Olivier Award-winning "The Pillowman" Thursday, Feb. 22, through Saturday, March 3.

Performances in the Multiform Theatre begin at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 22-24 and March 1-3, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25. The production is not suitable for children or for more sensitive theatergoers.

Directing his final production before retirement, Dr. D. Terry Williams, professor and longtime chair of theatre, creates an experience that is a disturbing, insightful and fiercely engaging piece of contemporary narrative drama.

Set in a vicious totalitarian dictatorship, "The Pillowman" tells the tale of a local writer who is jailed when his short stories turn out to exactly mirror a recent set of brutal child murders. Under rigorous interrogation by a pair of thuggish police detectives, the writer defends his work claiming innocence and no responsibility for the crimes.

Winner of the 2004 Olivier Award, "The Pillowman" was a smash hit on Broadway, where it was nominated for the Tony Award for Best New Play in 2005.

The cast includes WMU students Brooks Applegate, Ghafir Akbar, Michael Colleran, Ashlee Davis, Joseph Drake, Larry Loofboro, Louis Sallan and Courtney Yoder. The creative team includes students Ellen Rouleau, stage manager; Zac Law, scenic designer; Benjamin G. Stickels, sound designer; Matt "Cider" Gist, technical director; Marina Dettmann, costume designer; Jillian Kurtz, makeup designer; Micah Stieglitz, properties master; Staci Sharp, master electrician; Darren Johnston, assistant to the director; and Rachel Gruetzner, dramaturge. Also serving on the creative team are WMU faculty and staff members Micha Espinosa, vocal coach; Matthew A. Knewtson, lighting designer; Kathleen MacKenzie, costumer; and Garylee McCormick, hair designer.

Tickets for University Theatre productions can be purchased by calling (269) 387-6222 or by visiting the Gilmore Theatre Complex Ticket Office weekdays between noon and 5 p.m. Senior citizens and WMU students, faculty and staff receive discounts on the regular ticket price of $17 each.

For more information on the University Theatre season, visit www.wmich.edu/theatre.

Media contact: Jason Nuzzo, (269) 387-3227, jason.a.nuzzo@wmich.edu

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