Theatre Fairfield presents weeklong "Theatre-Palooza" at Fairfield University | Press Releases

The PepsiCo Theatre at Fairfield University is coming alive for one exciting week in April. Theatre Fairfield is bringing the best of both scripted and improvisational theatre performed by current students and alumni in a weeklong celebration, "Theatre-Palooza." Events include a comedic play, improvisational theatre, and TF Alumni Onstage.

The comedic play "'59 Pink Thunderbird" will be at the PepsiCo Theatre on the Fairfield University campus for three performances: Tuesday, April 18, at 8:00 p.m.; Thursday, April 20, at 8:00 p.m.; and a matinee on Sunday, April 23, at 2:00 p.m.

Four "On The Spot Improv" shows will be performed at the PepsiCo. Theatre: Wednesday, April 19, at both 7:00 and 9:30 p.m.; and Friday, April 21, at both 7:00 and 9:30 p.m.

The "Theatre-Palooza" week is topped off with a performance by Theatre Fairfield Alumni, entitled "TF Alumni Onstage," on Saturday, April 22, at 7:30 p.m. The TF Alumni Board has been working all year to bring alumni from all over the country back to Fairfield to perform together again.

"'59 Pink Thunderbird," a comedic play by James McLure, explores the lives of six individuals struggling to find meaning and hope within the small southern Texas town where they grew up. Roy, played by Kevin Carroll '06, has returned from Vietnam quite different from how he left, and his wife Elizabeth, played by Liz Krane '07 is struggling with how to deal with the changes in her husband. They are joined by their friends, the outspoken Hattie (Ioanna Psaroudakis '07), Roy's dim-witted brother Ray (Evan Barden '08), the sassy Amy Lee (Jodie Pfau '07), and the self-important dolt Cletis (Tim King '08).

The first act is directed by Dr. Marti LoMonaco, Theatre Fairfield's producer, and the second act is directed by Theatre major Weston Wilson '06.

"On The Spot Improv" is Fairfield University's improvisational theatre troupe. Improvisational theatre is theatre created literally, "on the spot." With suggestions and inspiration from the audience members, actors create scenes without scripts. Improv actors will also perform sketch comedy, premiered at all four performances.

The Improv troupe on campus is made up of four ensembles: On The Spot, directed by Prof. Heather Parady; Camp Creation, directed by Kevin Carroll '06; Memories of Jake, directed by James DeSilvestri '07 and Jared Mezzocchi '07; and Suddenly Seven, directed by Jodie Pfau '07 and Casey Regan '07. Each ensemble focuses on a different aspect of improvisational theatre, such as long-form or short-form, and/or sketch comedy.

Tickets for both "'59 Pink Thunderbird" and "On The Spot Improv" are $12 for general admission, $6 for seniors and University staff, and $5 for students. For tickets, call the Quick Center box office (203) 254-4010. Tickets for "TF Alumni Onstage" complimentary, but reservations are reuired. For tickets to that performance, call (203) 254-4000 ext. 2274.