FOR TICKETS:    816.235.6222

UMKC Theatre Presents “Five by Tenn (+One)”

Tennessee Williams’ One-Acts Convey Depths of Human Condition

KANSAS CITY, MO (November 6, 2008) – UMKC Theatre will explore the themes of human struggle, despair and love in presenting six one-act plays by American Playwright Tennessee Williams. Called “Five by Tenn (+One)” the production runs Nov. 29 and 30, Dec.2 to Dec. 7 and Dec.11 to Dec. 14 at Studio 116 in the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center. 

“The unique genius of Tennessee Williams shines through in these stunning portraits of the disenfranchised and lost,” said Theodore Swetz, who is part of the directing team. “This is a powerful and revealing collection of one-act plays that will touch you in a surprisingly immediate way as we all struggle to keep our balance in a world gone somewhat mad.”

The company consisting of five directors and 12 actors will present: “Escape,” “This Property is Condemned,” “Hello from Bertha,” “The Lady of Larkspur Lotion,” “The Long Goodbye,” and “Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen.”

Jess Akin, a third-year MFA student who has performed at the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and Coterie Theatre, directs “Escape,” a work recently discovered.

Directed by MA student, Jonathan Wolfe, “This Property Is Condemned” was written in 1946 and eventually became a 1966 movie featuring Natalie Wood and Robert Redford. Anna Safar ((MFA, second year) plays Willie and Nick Gehlfuss (MFA, second year) plays Tom.

Gary Holcombe, UMKC Theatre professor, directs the 1946 play “Hello from Bertha,” a poignant story about a prostitute and her dramatic life and death. The play features Helen Gonzalez, (MFA, second year), as Bertha; Samra Teferra, (MFA, second year) as Goldie and Anna Safar as Lena.

“The Lady of Larkspur Lotion,” is directed by Theodore Swetz, Patricia McIlrath Endowed Professor in Acting, and features three UMKC graduate students:  Samra Teferra as Mrs. Hardwicke-Moore, Elana Kepner (MFA, third year) as Mrs. Wire, and Bennett Ferguson (MFA, second year) as the Writer.  Written in 1941, the play tells the story of human conflict between a flighty heroine and her rigid landlady. 

Ron Schaeffer, Head of UMKC Theatre Stage Management Training, directs “The Long Goodbye” featuring Tyler Horn (MFA, second year) as Joe and Elana Kepner as Myra. Jason Reynolds (MFA, third year), Helen Gonzalez and Jess Akin are also in the production.  Written in 1940, it portrays the story of Joe as he reflects on his the memories of his life.

Schaeffer also directs “Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen,” written by Williams in 1953, a play about two young people wasting away in despair. Rachel Hirshorn (MFA, second year) and Nick Gehlfuss play the two roles.

Single tickets are adults, $15; seniors $10; students, $6; and groups of 10 or more, $5 each. Tickets are available through the Central Ticket Office at 816.235.6222.

“Five By Tenn” Performance Dates: 

UMKC Theatre has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report among the top graduate theatre training programs in the country. The program trains a select group of highly talented actors, designers, stage managers and dramaturges for careers in the performing arts. Graduates from the UMKC program are invited to the most prestigious New York competitions and auditions to exhibit their work and secure positions with national and international performing companies. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) and is a member of the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA).

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. Celebrating 75 years, UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience.

More information is available online at www.umkc.edu/theatre/.

For interviews and press passes to performances, contact Tracey Mershon, 816.478.6299 or tracey@mershonandmcdonald.com.

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Directors' Bio's

Mr. Holcombe is well-known as both an accomplished actor and singer and a veteran of many Broadway musicals including Big River, South Pacific, 42nd Street, Golden Apple, and An Evening with Romberg among them. Gary starred as Oliver Warbucks in the nation tour of Annie, where he met his wife, actress Donna Thomason. Other national tours include principle roles in The Most Happy Fellow, 1776, and On the Twentieth Century. He has appeared on ABC’s One Life to Live and PBS’s Molders of Troy. He was featured in the film, Truman, for HBO and co-starred in the television movie, Puppy Love. A highly regarded baritone, Gary began his career with the Washington Opera, was soloist for Eric Butterworth for The Unity Church in New York City, and can be heard on the recording of Rose Marie for the Smithsonian. Gary has also been the guest soloist with symphonies from Baltimore to Los Angeles. Gary is the recipient of the Drama Desk Award, three Best of Kansas City Awards and The 2005 Pinnacle Award for Excellence in the Arts.

Mr. Schaeffer is the production manager for the UMKC Theatre. He teaches directing, stage management courses and supervises stage management for all departmental and professional productions. He has extensive directing and stage management credits, including stage manager of the original production of Hair on Broadway for nearly three years, two seasons at Lincoln Center including A Cry of Players with Anne Bancroft and Frank Langella, and the Bernstein Mass which opened The Kennedy Center. Mr. Schaeffer has directed for the Unicorn, Quality Hill Playhouse and the 39th St. Theatre in Kansas City, as well as for various summer theatres. He  directed Dead Guilty at the Krannert Center at the University of Illinois and Boeing-Boeing for the Okoboji Summer Theatre in IA.  He also directs a show for the UMKC Theatre each year. Mr. Schaeffer was brought to the Rep by Patricia McIlrath in 1980 and has served under three more Artistic Directors, George Keathley, Peter Altman and now Eric Rosen.

Jess Akin is beginning his 3rd year M.F.A. candidacy at UMKC. He received a B.A. in performance Magna Cum Laude with honors in major from the University of Houston. He cannot describe how much it means to him to be studying what makes us all human.  His recent performances include the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s productions of Romeo and Juliet and Othello, the Coterie Theatre’s In Spite of Thunder: The Macbeth Project, as well as numerous UMKC productions including Noises Off, The Country Wife, and Twelfth Night. In the UMKC Theatre production of Tartuffe, Jess plays Cléante.

Johnny Wolfe (Director) earned his BA in Theatre with emphasis in directing from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he directed seven original works by MFA playwrights. Last spring, he served as dramaturg for UMKC’s The Cure at Troy and Actors Theatre KC’s Taking Sides. His recent directing credits include The Dying House, winning him the ACTF directing award, Pinter’s Betrayal on the Las Vegas Strip, and assistant director and dramaturg for the award-winning premiere of The Masks of Rioclora at the Nevada Conservatory Theatre. Wolfe is slated to direct This Property is Condemned for UMKC’s Five by Tenn, assist Jeff Church in UMKC’s joint production with the Coterie of Our Town, and assistant direct/dramaturg a new adaptation of The Master and Margarita. He collaborated with Tom Mardikes (writer/director) during Taking Sides and he treasures their renewed partnership in this, Tom’s vision of fusing a collection of Chekhov short stories into this wonderful new adaptation. Tom has been an invaluable source of guidance and stability throughout this process and I am extremely grateful to him for this experience. Special thanks to the cast and crew for all their hard work and dedication. Enjoy!