The madcap comedyAnton in Show Businessby Jane Martin is the next production at the WVU Creative Arts Center, presented by the Division of Theatre and Dance. The play follows three actresses across the footlights, down the rabbit hole and into a strangely familiar Wonderland that looks a lot like American theatrethe resemblance is uncanny!

As they pursue their dream of performing Chekhov in Texas, theyre whisked through a maelstrom ofgood ideasthat offer the unique solutions theThree Sistersneed to have lifes deeper purpose revealed.

Directed by WVU theatre professor of stage movement Jessica D. Morgan, the play opens in the CAC s Gladys G. Davis Theatre Oct. 17 and runs through Oct. 25.

In the tradition of great backstage comedies,Antonconveys the absurdities ofputting on a playat the turn of the century.

For those of us in it, its a chance to take a look at theatre from the outside for once,said director Jessica Morgan.For all, it is a chance to see those characters and people we recognizeto laugh at them, to laugh with them, and to remind ourselves of why this form of storytelling has lasted through the ages.

Although a thorough understanding of Anton Chekhovs playThe Three Sistersis not necessary to enjoyAnton in Show Business,knowledge of the Russian plays key characters and situations adds to the insiders view of theatre intended by the playwright. For those unfamiliar with the Chekhov play, a synopsis will be provided in the program.

Variety calls this playA smart, acerbic crowd-pleaserSimultaneously a love letter and a poison pen letter to the American theatre.

The playwright, Jane Martin, came to the attention of American theatre audiences withTalking With,a collection of monologues that premiered at the 1981 Humana Festival of New American Plays at the ActorsTheatre of Louisville. Her collected works includeVital Signs,andWhat Mama Dont Know.Full-length plays includeCementville,the Pulitzer-nominatedKeely and Du,which won the 1994 American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award,Criminal HeartsandMiddle-Aged White Guys.

There is some question as to the identity of this mysterious writer, who is apparently from Kentucky. She has been referred to asAmericas best-known, unknown playwright.The name Jane Martin is widely believed to be a pseudonym. She has never made any public appearances or spoken about any of her works. Nor has she ever given an interview. No biographical details are known about her and no photographs have ever been published.

WVU students in the cast ofAnton in Show Businessinclude Maggie Atteberry, NicolMazon, Carrie L. Witting, Krista Prokopchuk, Magali Naas, Heather Pratt, Hayley Clark and Jennifer Moses.

Assistant director is Tammy Hoier, set and costume designer is Jessica E. Greene, lighting designer is Erin Kuehl and sound designer is theatre professor Joshua Blackmer Williamson. Stage manager is Liz Roberson and voice coach is theatre professor Kate Udall. Dramaturg is theatre professor Jay Malarcher and graphic designer is Dustin Collins. Hair styles are by Richard Bradley Salon.

The play runs Oct. 17, 18, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the CAC Gladys Davis Theatre. (Please note: the Oct. 22 performance previously scheduled at 7:30 p.m. has been cancelled.) There will also be matinee performances Oct. 19 and 25 at 2 p.m.

AnUpfront&Backstagepre-show presentation will take place prior to the Oct. 19 matinee. This presentation, which begins at 12:30 p.m., will allow the audience to meet the people behind the scenes, tour backstage, and visit the shops where scenery, props, and costumes are built. The presentation will begin in the lobby of the Gladys Davis Theatre.

In addition, there will be a Post-Show Panel Discussion following the Oct. 23 performance. During this discussion with the director, designers and company, the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and discuss the process of bringing the play to life. The Oct. 25 performance will be interpreted for the hearing impaired.

Tickets forAnton in Show Businessare $11 for the general public and $9 for WVU faculty and staff, senior citizens, students and children. For tickets or more information, call the Mountainlair Box Office at (304) 293-SHOW. Schools interested in attending matinee productions should contact the Division of Theatre and Dance at (304) 293-4841, Ext. 3120. Special ticket prices are available for groups of 10 or more.