Imagine a school pageant performed by characters from “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Xena:Warrior Princess.” Add sketch-comedy humor and an abundance of insight. Intrigued? Stop imagining and take a fun, campy romp to see the UNM Department of Theatre and Dance production of “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” in Rodey Theatre at UNM campus from Oct. 7-22.
“The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” is playwright Paul Rudnick’s response to religious fundamentalists who claim “God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.” Rudnick follows the lives of Adam and Steve — and Jane and Mabel — from the Creation to the first brunch. They endure the Flood, visit Pharaoh’s Egypt, attend the Nativity and experience the wonders and pains of modern day relationships. Reminiscent of medieval Passion plays where popular characters were inserted into Bible stories to entertain while teaching, the lessons here are tolerance and understanding, taught with loads of laughter and fun. Rudnick, who is known for “I Hate Hamlet” and “Jeffrey,” moves us to consider life and relationships from new perspectives.
Director Hal Simons is completing a master’s degree in directing at UNM. His directing credits include Musical Theatre Southwest, the Off-Broadway revival of “Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill,” several national tours and numerous regional, stock and university productions. The cast includes Jeff Anderson as Adam, Charlie Dearing as Steve, Merritt Glover as Jane, and Meghan Bode as Mabel. The scenic design is by UNM faculty member Richard Hess, costume design by Cassidy Zachary and Stephanie Lewis, and lighting design by Leonard Madrid.
“The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” plays Oct. 7, 8, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. It contains adult situations, language and brief nudity. No one under 17 years of age will be admitted without a parent or guardian. All tickets are $15 general, $10 faculty/seniors, $8 staff/students and are available through the UNM ticket office at 925-5858, Tickets.com outlets or online at www.unmtickets.com.
Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-5813