College of Fine Arts and Design

Jan. 18, 2011

The University of Central Oklahoma's Department of Theatre Arts has been invited to present "Mr. Marmalade," a dark comedy from Central's fall 2010 performing arts season, at the regional Kennedy Center for American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in Amarillo, Tex., in February.

But before they head out to the festival, the department is offering the public another opportunity to see the production, with two encore performances of "Mr. Marmalade" scheduled for 7:30 pm, Feb. 18-19 in Pegasus Theater in the UCO Liberal Arts Building.   
 
"It is a tremendous honor to represent the university at this very prestigious festival," said Daisy Nystul, the director of the production and chair of Central's Department of Theatre Arts.    

The KCACTF is a national theater education program that identifies and promotes quality in college-level theater production. As an invitee to the regional festival, "Mr. Marmalade" is eligible for a response by a regional KCACTF representative, and selected students and faculty are invited to participate in KCACTF programs involving scholarships, internships, grants and awards for actors, directors, playwrights, designers, stage managers and critics at both the regional and national levels.

Last year more than 1300 productions were entered in the KCACTF, involving more than 200,000 students nationwide.

"By entering this production, our theatre department is sharing in the KCACTF goals to recognize, reward and celebrate the exemplary work produced in college and university theaters across the nation," added Nystul.

"Mr. Marmalade" is the story of Lucy, a four-year-old girl with a very active imagination, whose imaginary friend Mr. Marmalade doesn't have much time for her. The social topics covered in the play range from child abuse to suicide to single parenting to alcoholism and addiction.  The play explores very dark themes and is for mature audiences only.  
 
Ticket prices for the encore performance are $4 and will be collected at the door. For a complete schedule of College of Fine Arts and Design's performances and exhibits, visit www.uco.edu/cfad/events.