Spend an evening laughing and letting worries recede, reserve your tickets now for the Adams State University Theatre Program Production, A Boatload of Lunacy. The two one-act plays, directed by senior theatre majors, open at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the Adams State Xperimental Theatre and will run nightly through Feb. 13.
Wanda’s Visit, directed by Lauren Long takes place in the 90s. "The play reminds me of my favorite sitcom of that era, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Just like Fresh Prince, a normal, average family welcomes a visitor into their life – which then erupts into chaos. In Wanda’s Visit, a married couple’s, Jim and Marsha, life has become rather staid and boring. Then Wanda, Jim’s former high school sweetheart, comes to visit… "Wanda’s actions and their reaction to her make for very funny situations," Long added.
Tyler Dunlap chose The Titanic simply because he loves the comedies of Christopher Durang, also the playwright for Wanda’s Visit. "Every moment directing this play has been entertaining. I still laugh out loud, every night during rehearsals." He describes The Titanic as completely absurd. "Although the play is about the Titanic, it focuses on a family and their absurd miscommunications and mistaken identity during their final moments." The audience might become lost as the production unravels, but by the end they "might be somewhat caught-up. There is no realism what-so-ever," Dunlap added.
Long and Dunlap knew each other in high school, in Pueblo. "We graduated high school together, and now will graduate from college together," Dunlap said. The two are long-time fans of Durang’s work and appreciated the opportunity to partner in directing their plays. "I have wanted to direct since I was ten-years-old," Long said. "Although there were some challenges, especially at first, the experience was really fun and I will miss it."
After graduation, Dunlap hopes to become a high school theatre teacher. Long has a desire for travel and seeking opportunities to act and direct. They both invite audiences to enjoy an evening of comedy. "This is not a critical look at life, but a funny look," Dunlap said. Long agrees: "Even if you are having a bad day, you can always see worse and laugh at it."
Due to language and sexual content, audience aged 18+ recommended for A Boatload of Lunacy. Individual tickets are $8 for general public, $7 for seniors and students, and free to Associated Students and Faculty with current Adams State identification. To reserve tickets call 719-587-8499.
