The WVU Division of Theatre and Dance will presentThe Time of Your Life,a Pulitzer Prize-winning, truly American classic play by William Saroyan at the Creative Arts Center, Nov. 14-21.
The play take place on an October afternoon in 1939 at a San Francisco waterfront honky-tonk called Nicks Pacific Street Saloon, Restaurant and Entertainment Palace. The intoxicating characters who hang out at Nicks, including wistful dreamers, pining lonely hearts and beer hall philosophers, explore the possibilities of living a life which does not hurt anyone, a life concerned with ordinary people and simple values.
Directed by Theatre Professor Jerry McGonigle,The Time of Your Lifeopens in the Gladys G. Davis Theatre Friday, Nov. 14, and runs Nov. 15, 16, 19, 20, 21 and 22. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. nightly and there will be two matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 22.
The Time of Your Lifewas first staged in 1939 and later inspired a movie starring Jimmy Cagney. At first critics scoffed at its idealism, but soon began to appreciate its honest examination of American life. The play won the Drama Critics Circle Award and later the Pulitzer Prize in 1940.
The main characater is Joe, a mysterious yet magnanimous man of intelligence and wealth who embraces lifes simple pleasures and simple people. Written at a time when America faced impending world war, the play personifies optimism, sentimentality, the power of hope, love of country, compassion for those weaker than ourselves, and the value of a life lived fully, even if that life never approaches societys standards for success.
In the time of your life, live life so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it,wrote Saroyan in the preface to the play.
The cast ofThe Time of Your Lifeincludes Max Arnaud, Marc Friedman, Evelyn White, Neil Austin, Aaron Crothers, Andrew Lyons, Anthony Edwards, Matt Haught, Nick Lopez, Jerome Kirkland, Brian Ruppenkamp, Setenay Yener, Jackie Vaughn, Bethany Sunseri, Chris Greco, Larry Fellows, Nicole Mazon, Pascale Piquion, Jessica Rogers, John Harper, Brandon Gowen, Tammy Hoier, Jeremiah Munsey, Adam Moore, Bobby Leonhard and Rosie McGonigle. Assistant director is Adrienne Sowers and designers include Tuesdee Long, scene design; Colin McKeen, lighting design; Angela Peavler, costume design; and Vince Sylvester, sound design/engineer. Stage Manager is Sarah Billotti.
Guest artists working on the production include Thomas OConnor, a freelance director and movement artist who is currently based in Tokyo. His local credits include M.T. Pockets Theater and several projects with the WVU Division of Theatre and Dance.
Barbara A. Bell is also back for her third time as guest artist with the Division. Previously at WVU she was guest artist in the costume shop forGhost SonataandIts a Wonderful Life.As a professional costume designer, she has designed more than 200 shows for regional theatre and Off-Broadway. She was also resident costume designer at Coconut Grove Playhouse, Burt Reynolds Jupiter Theatre and the Alley Theatre.
The Time of Your Lifeis produced by special arrangement with Samuel French. The Nov. 16 performance will be interpreted for the hearing impaired.
AnUpfront&Backstagepre-show presentation also will take place prior to the Nov. 16 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 Nov. 20 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.
Tickets forThe Time of Your Lifeare $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.