Moonchildren" On Stage April 30

SALISBURY, MD--Salisbury State University's Theatre's season closes in May with "Moonchildren," produced by Sophanes, the student theatre club.

Written in 1971 by Michael Weller, "Moonchildren" is directed by SSU senior Joshua Knapp. All aspects of the production, including design and technical work, are also by students.

In "Moonchildren," set in the mid-1960s, six undergraduate seniors and one graduate student share an apartment. As they struggle to endure their final year of school they must prepare themselves for life after graduation. Originally presented in Washington D.C., "Moonchildren" has been a popular and critical success; it won the Drama Desk Award in New York and has been produced by thousands of theatres worldwide.

Knapp is directing for the first time. Rather than interpreting the script as a "period piece," he said he wants to set the play in the ‘60s, but make it about the characters. "Hopefully, this will place special attention on the uncertain age of early adulthood that SSU students are currently facing .... Any nostalgia brought about by this production will not come from seeing the ‘60s physically recreated on stage. Rather, it will be from sharing in the thoughts and emotions of the characters."

The ensemble cast of 16 includes Peter Capella, Catherine Sheehy and Colin Turner, who portray, respectively, Bob, a sensitive and introspective musician; Kathy, a self absorbed man-eater; and Mike, a lighthearted but sharp-eyed young man. The three are members of SSU's popular improv troupe, Bound and Gagged. Also in the cast is Scott Southern as Norman and theatre alumnus Damien Doughtery as Mr. Willis, the landlord.

"Moonchildren" runs Friday-Sunday, April 30-May 2, and Wednesday-Sunday, May 5-9, in Fulton Hall Theatre. Performances are 8 p.m., except Sundays, which are 2 p.m. matinees. Tickets may be reserved through the Theatre Box Office by calling 410-543-6228. General admission is $6, senior citizen and student $4, and SSU ID card holders admitted free. "Moonchildren" contains mature language and themes, and parental discretion is suggested.