The final show of the 2023-24 season at The Little Theatre on the campus of Central Methodist University will be the Aaron Posner adaptation Stupid…Bird, premiering April 25.
A contemporary adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s play The Seagull, the show stages a timeless battle between young and old, past and present, in search of the true meaning of it all. An aspiring young playwright rampages against the art created by his mother's generation. A nubile young actress wrestles with an aging Hollywood star for the affections of a renowned novelist. And everyone discovers just how disappointing love, art, and growing up can be.
The Little Theatre production will be directed by Dr. Mark Kelty, professor of theatre. Cole Nowlin will star as Conrad, while the rest of the cast includes Owen Flores as Dev, Mariah Nichols as Mash, Lauren Shields as Nina, Arielle Prince as Emma, Gram Coalier as Trigorin, and Daniel Ard as Sorn.
Behind the scenes, Peyton Lairmore will fill the duties of assistant director/stage manager. Poppy Garner is the scenic and sound designer for the show, while Professor Lonna Wilke is in charge of lighting design and Terri Rohlfing is again the costume designer. Kasey Lynch is the intimacy coordinator, and Lizzy Thomas is part of the crew in marketing and publicity.
Stupid…Bird premieres on Thursday, April 25 with a 7 p.m. performance. Friday and Saturday shows also have a curtain time of 7 p.m., while the Sunday, April 28 matinee begins at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets are $8 for general admission, $5 for CMU faculty and staff, and free for CMU students with student ID. Individual and group reservations can be made at any time by calling the Little Theatre box office at 660-248-6281. Reserved tickets are held at the box office, and can be picked up and paid for the night of the performance. The Little Theatre accepts cash and checks.
Note: this show is for mature audiences only.