Five-pack of plays begins Mississippi State theater season

Short Plays and Pieces will begin at 7:30 p.m. each day in the department's Lab Theater, located in the basement of McComas Hall. Because of limited seating, early arrival by audience members is encouraged.

Tickets are $1 for students and senior citizens and $2 for others.

"The production is the culmination of two months' work by our students," said Dr. Jeffery Elwell, associate communication professor and director of theater.

Elwell directs the first two performances and students direct the remaining three.

The production includes:

• Meet Truck by Philip Atlakson, which centers on the questionable singles-bar relationship of "Thomas," played by senior Ryan Lamar of Madison, and "Shirley," played by freshman Genni McKey of Port Gibson. Both Lamar and McKey are communication majors.
• The Art of Dating, a work-in-progress written by Elwell. Sophomore Stacey Matthews of Hattiesburg and senior Ty Phillips of Starkville, both communication majors, are featured.
• To The Airport by Julianne Bernstein tells the story of "Marcia," who is leaving her lover because he refuses to marry her, and "Ted," a cab driver who offers her advice on the way to the airport. Senior Lucy Fullen of Ripley and sophomore Tristram Brown of Starkville portray the respective characters. Both students are general liberal arts majors. The director is senior communication major Molly Burns of Germantown, Tenn.
• Labor Pains by Steven Sater involves the relationship of a straight woman and a gay man and reflects on the insecurities brought about by loneliness and aging. Genni McKey and Ty Phillips are featured. Ryan Lamar directs.
• Bridal Gown, also by Julianne Bernstein, has "Emily" searching for the perfect wedding gown with her best friend and maid of honor, "Rachel." Junior communication major Shelly Rushing of Starkville portrays "Emily," while "Rachel" is performed by McKey. Tristram Brown is director.