'Bedroom Farce' to examine relationships

Marshall's Theatre Department takes a look at marriage, family and friends in its next play.

"Bedroom Farce," written by Alan Ayckbourn, tells the story of Susannah and Trevor, a couple whose marriage is heading for disaster. The couple vents its anger on family and friends, leading to arguments.

Susannah and Trevor's family and friends consist of three other couples: Trevor's mother and father, Delia and Ernest; Trevor's former fianceé Jan, her husband, Nick; and friends Kate and Malcolm.

The evening begins as Delia and Ernest prepare for an evening out, while Kate and Malcolm get ready for a party they are throwing.

The guests arrive and Susannah and Trevor argue, ruining the party and the evening.

"It's really three different looks at marriage through three couples, actually four when you include the couple, whose bedroom is not on stage," director David Cook said. "Their bedrooms do reflect who they are and also reflects their view of marriage, too."

The set consists of three side-by-side bedrooms, which were designed by James Morris-Smith, director of theatre facilities at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse. The bedrooms are those of Susannah and Trevor's family and friends.

"It's a wonderful use of space," Cook said. "In a farce, one of the elements that you run into is there is a certain amount of action that takes place. It is generally fast-moving and the way the stage is divided limits that action. You have a limited place to play in. So what Ayckbourn does, he uses lighting to substitute for that. So as the action shifts from room to room to room the lighting shifts."

The play features four veteran actors of the Marshall theatre, Cook said. Aimee Cox, Chester freshman, plays Kate. Cox performed in "I Ought to Be in Pictures" this past semester.

Susannah is played by Randi Lehasky, Moundsville freshman. Lehaskey has acted in such plays as "Crimes of the Heart," "Oliver," "Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Heidi Chronicles."

Lindsey Stevens, Teays Valley senior, is Delia. She has acted in "Keely and Du," "Blithe Spirit," "The Good Doctor" and "The Heidi Chronicles."

Brent Rayburn, Charleston sophomore, plays Ernest. He has acted in "Crimes of the Heart," "Oliver" and "Midsummer Night's Dream."

The plays starts today and runs through Saturday at 8 p.m. nightly. Tickets are available at the box office in the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse. Student tickets are free with a Marshall ID. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, children under 17, faculty and staff.