WPI to Host Summer Theatre Double Feature

Media Contact
July 15, 2009

What:

Worcester Polytechnic Institute's (WPI) Sunburns Theatre Co. will present a double-feature night of comedy and drama (in two one-act plays) with The Book of Liz, written by Amy and David Sedaris; and Love and Money, written by Dennis Kelly. (These shows are for mature audiences only.)

The Book of Liz is a comedy that follows Sister Elisabeth “Liz” Donderstock of the Cluster Haven Squeamish -- an Amish-like community. The Squeamish run a cheese ball-making operation, and Liz created its secret recipe. After new-in-town Brother Brightbee demotes Liz to merely collecting chives, however, she runs away to work in a restaurant. With Liz gone, the cheese balls are suffering, begging the question: Is Liz the secret ingredient?

Love and Money is a new British drama. David is a widower in the midst of an online romance with Sandrine.  Through their email exchanges, David discusses his deceased wife, Jess, telling Sandrine they were a young London couple spiraling into debt. Sandrine is interested in David until some disturbing information about Jess's death is revealed. The audience meets Jess's parents and a cast of colorful characters that describe Jess's shopping addiction, and the great lengths her husband goes in attempting to pay off her debts.

Who:

Approximately 27 WPI students are involved in this production by Sunburns Theatre Co. The plays are being directed by 2009 graduates James Johnson and Steven Vessella and produced by student Tristan Spoor ‘10. Sunburns Theatre Co. is one of several theatre groups at the university; Masque, VOX, M.W. Repertory Theatre Co., and Student Comedy Productions (improvisational comedy troupes) bring the WPI community about eight productions a year. In addition, New Voices, begun in 1982, is the nation’s longest running annual festival of new plays written, directed, and performed by members of the WPI community.

When:

Wednesday through Saturday, July 15-18, 2009, at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Where:

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Little Theatre, Sanford Riley Hall; 100 Institute Road, Worcester, Mass.

Note:

Tickets cost $5 for general admission, and are available at the door. Reservations may be made by e-mail at LoveandLiz@wpi.edu. Reservations must be claimed by 7:45 p.m. the night of the show.