AN IDEAL HUSBAND Opens at Deep Dish Theater

Honor is at stake and blackmail afoot in Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband, presented by Deep Dish Theater Company February 12 to March 6. This witty satire, directed by Tony Lea, continues the company's ninth season at University Mall.

"Wilde was fascinated by the masks we choose to put on," said Lea. "He uses his wit - his fabulous gift of words - to explore how our inability to reveal our innermost thoughts and feelings protects and yet limits us."

Sir Robert Chiltern is a rising political star with a lovely wife and a spotless reputation. His best friend, Lord Goring, is a charming flirt with little direction and even less inclination to marry. When an Old Acquaintance arrives in London threatening to reveal a sordid secret from Robert's past, his less than ideal friend may just be the ideal solution.

This Deep Dish production boasts a talented cast, including Dorothy Recasner Brown, Chuck Ebert, John Paul Middlesworth, Donna Shannon, JorDan Smith, Summer Stevens, Eric Swenson, Jane Underhill, and Gary Watts. The design staff includes Eric Davis (set), Doug Wood (lights), Sue Sweezy (costumes), Devra Thomas (properties), and David Klionsky (sound). J. J. Bauer is the stage manager.

The theater will present post-performance discussions on Sunday, February 21 (led by Dr. Kimberly Stern of the Duke University Department of English) and Thursday, February 25 (a "Meet the Designers" discussion with the production staff). Dramaturg Karen Blansfield will give a pre-show talk on Friday, February 19, at 7 p.m. The Deep Dish Book Selection, John Updike's Couples, will be discussed on Thursday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m.

Performances begin Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday (matinee) at 2 p.m. Deep Dish is located in Chapel Hill's University Mall, on Estes Drive and US 15-501.

Tickets are $18 adults, $16 seniors, and $14 students regularly, with a $2 discount for Wednesday and Thursday shows. Wednesday, February 17 is "Cheap Dish Night" - all tickets are $8 (no reservations accepted). Tickets are available at the Deep Dish box office in University Mall, Wednesday to Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m., at www.deepdishtheater.org, or (919) 968-1515.

The Deep Dish Theater Company is committed to presenting compelling, human-centered dramatic work that contributes to the cultural richness of the Triangle area and challenges audiences to explore concerns of the community and the world-at-large.