Tech Players kick off 48th season with dark comedy by Christopher Durang

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 4, 2002) – The 48th season of the Tech Players kicks off with this month’s production of Betty’s Summer Vacation, an Obie Award-winning dark comedy by Christopher Durang.

"I’ve always wanted to direct a Christopher Durang play, and when I read this one, it made me laugh out loud," said Mark Creter, whose 10th anniversary as the Backdoor Playhouse artistic director is also this year.

The plot of Betty’s Summer Vacation revolves around the main character’s attempt to relax at a seaside summer retreat, but — thanks to her dysfunctional housemates — her vacation is instead filled with death, destruction and mayhem.

Creter cautions that the play contains some adult language and material that some viewers may find disturbing.

"But this play is the perfect production to be staging right now," he said. "After all, we live in a country where Jackass, the Movie is number one at the box office, The Anna Nicole Show has been renewed for a second season and Winona Ryder’s shoplifting is news."

The show — presented in partnership with the TTU English department — begins at 8 p.m. on Nov. 14, 15, 16, 19, 22 and 23 at the Backdoor Playhouse, located at the rear of the Jere Whitson Building. It begins at 10 p.m. on Nov. 18 and 21.

Tickets are $6 for general admission, $4 for students and senior citizens and $3 for employees at TTU Employee Appreciation Night on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

The production is included in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, which means that two of the show’s cast members will be nominated for Irene Ryan Acting scholarships. This is TTU’s third year to participate in the event.

For more information, call the Backdoor Playhouse box office at 372-6595.

--Tracey LeFevre

This information posted 12 November 2002