Sources: Marci Maullar, 785-532-6878, marcima@k-state.edu;
Dylan Rogerson, 785-532-6878, dylanr@k-state.edu
Hometown connection/news tip: Lawrence, Manhattan, Overland Park, Salina, Topeka and Wichita, Kan.; and Edmond, Okla.
News release prepared by: Darrah Tinkler, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu
Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013
Search for forgiveness, redemption set stage for drama in K-State Theatre's 'Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo'
MANHATTAN -- War-torn Baghdad sets the scene for K-State Theatre's first production of the new year. The Broadway play "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo" will be presented Feb. 7-9 and 14-16 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2:30 p.m. matinee Sunday, Feb. 17, all in Nichols Theatre at Kansas State University.
The lives of two American Marines and an Iraqi translator are forever changed by an encounter with a quick-witted tiger that haunts the streets of Baghdad attempting to find meaning, forgiveness and redemption amidst the city's ruins. Written by American playwright Rajiv Joseph, the play explores both the power and the peril of human nature.
"Bengal Tiger" received the National Endowment for the Arts award for outstanding new American play in 2008. It premiered on Broadway on March 31, 2011, under the direction of Moises Kaufman. The cast included Glenn Davis as Tom and Robin Williams as the astute Tiger. The production went on to win two Drama Desk awards and three Tony award nominations.
"Bengal Tiger" has strong language and is recommended for mature audiences only.
The play is directed by Dillon Artzer, master's student in theatre, Topeka. Set design is by Kathy Voecks, associate professor of theatre, and sound design is by Chelsey Eimer, a Kansas State University alumnus.
Tickets are $14 for the general public, $12 for seniors and military, and $8 for students. They can be purchased at the McCain Auditorium box office from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by calling McCain at 785-532-6428. Tickets also may be purchased online at http://www.k-state.edu/theatre/. Groups of 10 or more may receive a discount rate. For more information or assistance in planning a theater party, contact Marci Maullar at 785-532-6878.
Students in the cast and crew of "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo" include:
Spencer Rotolo-Utz, sophomore in theatre, Lawrence, as Tom; Sean Matthews, senior in public relations, Manhattan, as Tiger; Maria Arvanitakis, junior in theatre and psychology, as Hadia and Girl, and Jordan Foote, master's student in curriculum and instruction, as Uday, both from Overland Park; Joey Boos, junior in theatre, as Musa, and Kristina Gent, senior in theatre, as the Woman and Leper, both from Salina; Amanda Garvey, junior in theatre, assistant director, andTyler Hamilton, senior in theatre, stage manager, both from Topeka; and Rebekah Priebe, master's student in theater, Wichita, costume design.
From out of state: Sean Hood, senior in architectural engineering, Edmond, Okla., lighting design.
