The Sterling College Theatre presents An Italian Straw Hat at 8:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, February 12-14, 2009, in Culbertson Auditorium on the SC campus. The Sterling College Theatre production is directed by Diane DeFranco-Kling.
An Italian Straw Hat is one of the most accomplished and satisfying examples of the French imbroglio, a style in which a character is in search of something, only to find it moments before the curtain falls. This classic French farce was written by Eugene Labishe in 1851 and has inspired numerous stage revivals, a famous silent film, a ballet and a musical comedy. All of these incarnations of An Italian Straw Hat share the basic premise: Fadinard, played by Nate Prior of Norco, California, is about to be married when his horse devours a lady's rare Italian style straw hat. The lady, played by Lauren White of Kansas City, Kansas, then demands the hat be replaced¬—setting off a quest that soon attracts a crowd of followers. This production will provide a look at French Vaudeville of the mid 1800's. Laced with songs, crazy comic business and a chorus of wedding guests, this romp is sure to become a favorite in the school theatre repertoire.
The Italian Straw Hat will be presented in conjunction with the Annual Sterling College Theatre Workshop for area high schools. Students will part take in various sessions including stagecraft, costuming, set design and theatre combat taught by SC Alumni. The workshop concludes with a special matinee showing of the performance. The workshop and show are free and open to all high school students.
Tickets will be available at the door each night of the performance. Prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students, children, or seniors (65+).
For more information about getting tickets for the Workshop, contact Admissions at 1-800-346-1017.
Sterling College is a four-year, Christ-centered, liberal arts college located in Sterling, KS, with a mission “to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith.”