KWU theatre will perform The Dining Room for its 2019 fall production, and opening night will be Oct. 23 in Fitzpatrick Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. There will also be 7:30 p.m. showings on Oct. 24 and 26, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Oct. 27.
The Dining Room is a 1985 Pulitzer Prize finalist known for its commentary on the changes in social status over time, as the play is set in 18 different scenes, at times ranging from the 1930s through the 1980s. It takes place in a series of upper middle-class dining rooms, although those watching will see just one set of furniture. Observers will see changes in the purpose of the dining room with the evolution of social trends, the effects of those changes on generational and other relationships and a longing for the traditional in the face of these changes.
“The Dining Room is a play about the vanishing upper middle-class of America, and it demonstrates the idea of progress meeting tradition,” said Karen Babcock Brassea, KWU Assistant Professor of Theatre, who will be directing the play. “It will make you laugh, it will make you think and it will warm your heart! We hope the community comes out to watch this great play and rewards the hard work our students have put in to it.”
The play features an ensemble cast – Braden Chaffin (Topeka, Kan.), Dalana Dutton (Lindsborg, Kan.), Madison Mitchell (Mulvane, Kan.), Nathan Naputi (Maize, Kan.), Shelby Riggins (Topeka, Kan.), Lorenz Rincones (Garden City, Kan.), Paula Rolph (Delphos, Kan.) and Karlie Will (Wichita, Kan.) – each of whom will be playing multiple roles throughout the evening.
Tickets for The Dining Room are $8 for adults, $4 for students and KWU students, faculty and staff are free with school ID.
