Mary Moody Northen Theatre to Present 'MR. BURNS,' 9/24-10/4

Mary Moody Northen Theatre, the award-winning producing arm of the St. Edward's University theater training program, kicks off its 43rd annual season with the Austin premiere of Anne Washburn's rich and complex homage to storytelling and popular culture, Mr. Burns, a post-electric play. Fun, funny, apocryphal and wickedly smart, Mr. Burns, a post-electric play is a crazy, entertaining ride that resonates with audiences long after they leave the theater.

After the collapse of civilization, a group of survivors share a campfire and begin to piece together the plot of "The Simpsons" episode "Cape Feare" entirely from memory. 7 years later, this and other snippets of pop culture (sitcom plots, commercials, jingles, and pop songs) have become the live entertainment of a post-apocalyptic society sincerely trying to hold onto its past. Seventy-five years later, these are the myths and legends from which new forms of performances are created. Anne Washburn's hilarious and thought-provoking comedy features Equity guests Jill Blackwood and Marc Pouhé.

Mary Moody Northen Theatre operates on a professional model and stands at the center of the St. Edward's University Theatre Training Program. Through MMNT, students work alongside professional actors, directors and designers, explore all facets of theatrical production and earn points towards membership in Actor's Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. MMNT operates under an AEA U/RTA contract and is a member of Theatre Communications Group. Information: 512-448-8487 or www.stedwards.edu/theatre.

St. Edward's University is a private, liberal arts college in the Catholic Holy Cross Tradition with approximately 5,000 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in Texas and offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including MBA programs and a master's degree in counseling. With a network of partner universities around the world, St. Edward's is a diverse community with programs designed to inspire students with a global perspective. St. Edward's University has been recognized for 12 consecutive years as one of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report and ranks in the top 15 Best Regional Universities in the Western Region. Information: stedwards.edu/about.