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from the issue of February 21, 2008
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University Theatre | Feb. 28 performance opens campus production group's spring season
'American Daughter' examines tribulations of presidential nominee
UNL's University Theatre presents "An American Daughter" by Wendy Wasserstein, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, 29, March 1, 5-8, in Howell Theatre, first floor Temple Building.
In the production, Lyssa Dent Hughes, a brilliant and accomplished doctor, has been nominated by the United States President to become the new surgeon general, pending confirmation.
As a reporter shadows Hughes for a feature piece, an indiscretion from her past is revealed. Also, some of her comments hint that she is denigrating stay-at-home moms and the "traditional" family. A "media frenzy" ensues, threatening her confirmation and dividing her family and friends who are called to testify on her behalf.
Lyssa must decide whether to continue to pursue the nomination and face a hearing or decline the nomination. The Washington, D.C., politics are nothing compared to the personal politics in Lyssa's living room where there are some more than awkward encounters involving her husband.
"The show is timely since we have a woman running for president," said Virginia Smith, a UNL associate professor who directs the production. "'An American Daughter' spurs debate about how women are still viewed in political leadership positions in this country."
The production will incorporate video since the media plays a significant role. Multimedia designer is Film and New Media student Jonathon Irons. The production is designed by graduate students Kathleen Lorenzen (set), CeCe Sickler (costumes), and Theron Seckington (sound), and undergraduate Brooke Stevens (lighting). Technical director is undergraduate Erica King and props master is graduate student Patric Vendetti. The production is stage managed by undergraduate Jenifer Dorman and assistant directed by graduate student Mary Gaetz.
UNL Theatre and Film alumnus Sasha Dobson plays Lyssa Dent Hughes. The production features the debut performance of the 2010 class of MFA actors in the professional training program: Kyle Broussard, Jason Francis, Daniel Gilbert, Robie Hayek, Lucy Howard, Ryan Kathman, Tiffiney Kavanaugh, Beth King and Travis Ray. The cast also includes undergraduates Ayana Denovellis, Jessica Elwell, Mikal Hanna, Sean Kloc and Naohiro Takahashi.
GO TO: ISSUE OF FEBRUARY 21
ARTS HEADLINES FOR FEBRUARY 21
Contrasts in print
'American Daughter' examines tribulations of presidential nominee
American Life in Poetry
Exhibit showcases Gao's textile work
FAMILY INTERVIEW
Grad work celebration is Feb. 29
'Nicholas Boylston' painting focus of Feb. 24 Sheldon lecture
Ross hosts 'The String Beans' Feb. 23
Sheldon 'College Night' is Feb. 26
Theatrix productions open Feb. 21
UNL Opera opens 'Dead Man Walking' Feb. 21
Work of 30 artists featured in March 8 Art and Art History MEDICI fundraiser
733093S37918X
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