UMaine Students to Perform Comedy by Canadian Playwright Walker

Contact: Media contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571

ORONO — A cast of ten University of Maine students is hard at work preparing to stage George F. Walker’s dark comedy “Escape from Happiness” in seven performances beginning Friday, Nov. 14 at UMaine’s Hauck Auditorium. UMaine Prof. Tom Mikotowicz directs the play, which is the third in Walker’s East End Trilogy.  This is the first time the UMaine School of Performing Arts has staged a play by Walker, a renowned Canadian playwright known for his bizarre sense of humor and straightforward characterizations.

“Walker has such a strange perspective on people and situations that you laugh all the way through one of his plays at the apparent illogic, but in the end you realize that much of it really rings true,” says Mikotowicz, who notes that Walker’s works are growing in popularity.  “It has been fun for all of us involved to explore all of the structure in this play.  We make a new discovery every night of rehearsal.”

“Escape from Happiness,” typical of Walker’s plays, is set against an urban landscape.  It explores a variety of contemporary and political issues through the story of a family that faces a series of challenges, including the invasion of their home by both criminals and the police.

“Despite all the family goes through, it ends up being a heartwarming story,” Mikotowicz says.  “The audience quickly grows to understand and appreciate the characters because of Walker’s words.  There is little subtext, and the characters say exactly what they feel; they are very visceral and lifelike in exploring the existential elements of their relationships.”

The design team for the play includes Chez Cherry for sets, Prof. Jane Snider for costumes, Devon Medeiros for sound, and guest lighting designer Matt Guminski for lighting.

The cast, which Mikotowicz calls “very talented,” includes several newcomers to UMaine productions.  Its members include Joy Van Meter, Lacey Martin, Kristy Lageroos, Kara Szczepanski, David Baril, Patrick Gleason, Janice Duy, Dustin Sleight, Josh Leigh and Michael Thayer.  The stage manger is Coral Ash; the assistant stage managers are Natalie Beiser and Chris Franklin.

“Each role is very challenging, and the characters evolve significantly during the play. Learning and staging this play is an outstanding educational experience for our students, and it will be very enjoyable for our audiences, as well.” he says.

Performances are set for Nov. 14-Nov. 23, according to the following schedule:

Friday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 20 at noon
Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.

For ticket information call 581-1755.