Theatre UNO Presents Mark Twain's 'Is He Dead?'
September 06, 2011
Theatre UNO and The NOLA Project are joining together to present the New Orleans premiere of Is He Dead?, and Theatre UNO’s 2011-2012 season. This comedy is by America’s greatest satirist, Mark Twain. Twain wrote the play in 1898 and unfortunately never saw it performed in his lifetime. In fact, the script would spend the next century lost in a drawer. The play was discovered among other writings of Twain in 2002 and has been adapted by playwright David Ives.
The plot, characters and dialogue of Is He Dead? contain all of Twain’s trademark wit, slapstick humor and keen ear for language. Jean-François Millet is a brilliant but unappreciated artist living outside Paris in 1846. Millet can’t sell a painting to save his life (literally). Another factor adding to his financial woes is a large debt owed to a villainous art dealer who is intent on marrying Millet’s girlfriend. As an artist’s work is of high value only after his death, the painter fakes his death. With the help of three wacky, bohemian friends, the artist returns as his sister. True to tradition, wealth quickly follows, but how long can Millet keep up the facade? Millet must find a way to get out of a dress, return to life and marry his beloved.
Joining Theatre UNO for this New Orleans premiere is The NOLA Project, an acclaimed local theatre company. Cast in the production are: Alex Martinez Wallace, AJ Allegra, Jared Gore, Sam Dudley, Kristin Witterschein, Natalie Boyd, Shelby Butera, Leianna Seals, Zach Rogers, James Vitale, Paxton McCaghren, Eric Long, Larry Johnson and James Bartelle. The production is directed by Beau Bratcher, with assistance from James Yeargain. Completing the production team are Joan Long, scenic and lighting designer, and Mignon Charvet, costume designer.
The production will run at UNO’s Robert E. Nims Theatre from September 9-18.
September 9-10 and 15-17 at 7:30 p.m.
September 11 and 18 at 2:30 p.m.
Ticket Prices: UNO Student, Faculty and Staff - $8; Senior Citizens - $8; General Admission - $12
For more information: (504) 280-SHOW (7469)