News Article

Theatre Production, 'Dead Man’s Cell Phone,' to Open April 17

JONESBORO – Arkansas State University Theatre announces the cast and crew for the upcoming production of "Dead Man’s Cell Phone," by Sarah Ruhl.

The production will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 17-18, and Monday through Wednesday, April 20-22, in Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Dr.

A “meet the company” dessert reception will follow the April 17 opening night performance.

"Jean is sleepwalking through her life until she answers a dead man’s cell phone.  It turns out to be a wake-up call that sends her on a date with the dead man’s brother, a drinking binge with his wife and a mysterious rendezvous with his mistress.  In this quirky modern adventure, Jean reconnects to her own spirit and learns that life is for the living," according to the Department of Theatre information.

The production is under the stage direction of Tim Bohn, associate professor of theatre. Technical director will be Jeff McLaughlin, assistant professor of theatre.

The cast includes Sarah Ring, a senior theatre major from Cabot, as Jean; Jason Despain, a senior radio/television major from Jonesboro, as Gordon; Dru Ergle, a senior theatre major from Jonesboro, as Mrs. Gottlieb; Heidi Sohl, a sophomore theatre major from Alexander, as Hermia; Clint Stevens, a senior theatre major from Huntsville, as Dwight; Jaelyn Epps, a senior theatre major from Little Rock, as The Other Woman/The Stranger.

Alyssa Burleson, a freshman theatre major from North Little Rock, Justin Almager, a sophomore theatre major from El Dorado, Davis Polston, a freshman theatre major from Searcy, and Bethany Dorton, a freshman theatre major from Judsonia, will comprise the Ensemble.

Scenic design is by Jeremy Smith, a junior theatre major from Dumas, lighting designer will be Cody Campbell, a senior theatre major from Jonesboro, and sound designer will be Virginia Hirsch, a junior theatre major from Cabot. Claire Abernathy, assistant professor of theatre, will serve as costume designer. 

Betsy Hegger, a junior theatre major from Jonesboro, will serve as assistant costume designer.  Tyler Gillespie, a sophomore theatre major from Dumas, will serve as properties master.  Master electrician will be Erin Davis, a junior theatre major from Jacksonville. 

Marie Bonds, a senior theatre major from Jonesboro, will serve as wardrobe head.  Sound board operator will be Emma Watkins, a freshman theatre major from Jonesboro.  Light board operator will be Emily Tucker, a junior theatre major from Jonesboro. 

Mike Reagan, a freshman theatre major from Paragould, and Luis Chavez, a senior theatre major from Jonesboro, are serving as the wardrobe crew.  Renisha Parker, a freshman theatre major from Van Buren, will serve as the backstage crew. 

William Key, a senior theatre major from Cabot, and Josh Donner, a senior theatre major from Mountain Home, will serve as assistant stage managers.  Stage management duties for the production have been assigned to Ashley Pratt, a junior theatre major from El Dorado.

Tickets may be purchased for reserved seating in advance at the Central Box Office in the Convocation Center or by calling 972-ASU1.  Tickets are also available online at tickets.astate.edu.  Reserved seating tickets (if available) may be purchased at the door on the evening of the performance.  Ticket prices are $10 ($8 in advance).  Advanced reservations are highly recommended.

Children under six years old are not admitted to ASU Theatre.  Patrons are encouraged to arrive early; latecomers will not be seated until intermission.

# # #