11/19/01

AU THEATRE TO PERFORM HAY FEVER' AT TELFAIR PEET NOV. 27-DEC. 1

AUBURN -- Auburn University Theatre will present "Hay Fever" Nov. 27 through Dec. 2 at Telfair Peet Theatre on the AU campus.

Written in 1925 by British playwright Noel Coward, the play is a hilarious comedy of manners. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27-Dec. 1, and a special matinee performance will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 2.

Tickets are $10 for students, $12 for seniors and AU faculty/staff and $14 for the general public. For reservations or more information call 844-4154.

An actor, playwright and composer, Coward began acting at the age of 12. His first play, written with Esme Wynne, was produced in 1917.

Among his many successes were "The Vortex," "Hay Fever," "Private Lives" and "Blithe Spirit," all of which showed his strong satirical humor as well as his gift for witty dialogue.

He wrote the music as well as the lyrics for most of his works and was also an accomplished singer, produced several films based on his own scripts, and published two autobiographies.

In connection with the play, AU Theatre will showcase an exhibition of artwork by Natalyn Rose and Fleming Blackburn in the theatre's art gallery. A reception will be held for the artists on Tuesday, Nov. 27, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

In addition, AU Theatre continues its series "Front to Back," with a pre-show talk before its performance of "Hay Fever" on Thursday, Nov. 29, beginning at 6 p.m. in the theatre lobby.

AU faculty members Daniel Szechi and Ruth Crocker, both of AU's Department of History, will discuss the social and cultural forces which shaped the work of Coward, one of Britain's most popular and enduring playwrights. The event will be moderated by Daydrie Hague, the play's director.

The "Front to Back" symposia are part of a continuing effort by the AU Theatre to enrich audience appreciation of dramatic literature in performance, and to incorporate the talents of Auburn's academic community to help illuminate issues in each play that resonate beyond the discipline of theatre.

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nov01: AU-hayfever

CONTACT: Linda Bell, marketing director, 334/844-4748; Marjorie Teeter, ticket office manager, 334/844-4154.