Vanguard Theatre’s production of “See How They Run” opens March 21 in the Student Life and Leadership Center on the UTM campus.
“See How They Run” is a classic British farce in which its extremely exaggerated characters are placed in highly improbable situations bringing about the most hilariously comedic effect possible.
This play takes place at an English vicarage and includes an unforgettable cast of stock characters portrayed by UTM students and alumni.
These characters find themselves in the middle of some crazy shenanigans, such as getting mixed up with an escaped prisoner and finding themselves involved in a hilarious case of mistaken identity.
“This cast has worked very hard. As you know, comedy is not easy; it just seems easy because it’s so enjoyable, but it requires a tremendous intensity of focus, because timing is so important in comedy,” Ken Zimmerman, director of “See How They Run,” said.
Stephanie Klink, a Theatre major from Bartlett, Tenn., plays Ida, a saucy, cockney house maid who suddenly finds herself so involved in her employer’s business that she’s way over her head.
Breona Hassan, a Nursing major, plays Miss Skillon, the spinster churchgoer who just so happens to be the town busybody who absolutely loves to gossip.
Reuben Kendall, a Studio Arts major and Adjunct Instructor in Biology, plays the local vicar, The Reverend Lionel Toop, and humble husband to his former actress wife, Penelope Toop.
Courtney Pearson, a Secondary Education major from Lawrenceville, Ga., plays the lead role as the former actress, Penelope Toop, and currently wife to the local vicar, Reverend Lionel Toop.
Jonathan Fisher, a Broadcasting major from Dyer, Tenn., plays American Clive Winton who is an old friend of Penelope Toop’s and a former fellow actor.
Eric Brand, a Public Relations major from Lewisburg, Tenn., plays the Intruder who is a very mysterious Russian spy.
Casey Williams, a Theatre major from Clarksville, Tenn., plays The Bishop of Lax who is actually Penelope’s uncle and just a bit of a stuffed shirt; in that, he is a bit overly British, dignified, imposing and a perfectionist.
Michael Chappell, a Theatre major from Union City, Tenn., plays Reverend Arthur Humphrey who is a slightly befuddled yet sweet visiting clergyman who finds himself caught up in all the hilarious confusing shenanigans.
Justin Hunt, a UTM alumnus who graduated with a BFA in Theatre, currently lives in Martin, Tenn. and plays Sergeant Towers, a loud and blustery police constable that definitely likes to get the situation under control quickly.
Matt Caldwell, a Theatre major from Martin, Tenn., is the stage manager for the play. This is one of the vital but often overlooked backstage positions.
“I’m very pleased at this point with this cast that we’ve chosen. We have a really rich supply of talent on this campus, and I am proud to be able to use it,” Zimmerman said.
This play will take place at 8 p.m. on March 21-23 and at 3 p.m. March 24.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased at the box office two hours before the play begins.
For more information visit Vanguard Theatre’s website at www.utm.edu/departments/ finearts/vanguard/index.php or contact Doug Cook at dcook@utm.edu.
