Cal State Fullerton Opens Haunting Drama TALLGRASS GOTHIC Today

Cal State Fullerton is producing the explosive Melanie Marnich play Tallgrass Gothic, directed by Professor James R. Taulli and running March 10-April 9, 2017 in the Hallberg Theatre on campus.

Tallgrass Gothic is a haunting drama that captures the love, longing, isolation, desire and fear of the classic Jacobean tragedy The Changeling by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley. Set in the Great Plains of the Midwest, Laura's hunger for a new beginning sets off a violent chain of events that leads her to a profound and terrifying understanding of her true nature. Tallgrass Gothic includes harsh language and content and is "recommended for adults only."

Director James R. Taulli has directed over 150 productions and events for various professional and university theatres across the country. Among his staging and directorial credits are: Les Miserablés (Anseong, South Korea); The Little Match Girl (Segerstrom Hall and Paris, France); The Radio Hour (Segerstrom Hall); Broadway Here I Come (Samueli Theatre, Segerstrom) 24 Hours, a new musical which was produced at the Stella Adler Theatre and for which Mr. Taulli was nominated for an NAACP award for his direction. He is the recipient of two Kennedy Center Medallions, and in 2013 was recognized along with friend and colleague Craig Tyrl, as best directors of a musical by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for their production of Godspell.

The Cast of Tallgrass Gothic includes Shellie Sterling as Laura, Miguel Torres as Tin, Wyn Moreno as Daniel, Tina A. Burkhalter as Mary, Kelvin M. Rhodes II as Scotto and Joshua Johnson as Filene.

Scenic Design is by Mauri Anne Smith, Costume Design is by Spencer Purdy, Lighting Design is by Chris Henrriquez, Sound Design is by John Favreau, Hair/Makeup Design is by Alejandro Bermúdez and Projection Design is by John Favreau and Carly McNamee.

Tallgrass Gothic plays at 8pm on March 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, April 6, 7, 8 and at 2pm on March 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, April 8, 9. General admission tickets are $14 ($12 with advance Titan Discount purchase for students, seniors or with a CSUF ID). All tickets are $14 at the door.

Tickets are available by calling (657) 278-3371, 11am-5pm, Monday through Friday and online at www.fullerton.edu/arts/theatre/events/td_productions.php

Soon to follow in the CSUF season is Andrew Lippa's Wild Party with music, lyrics and book by Andrew Lippa and based on the poem by Joseph Moncure March. The musical is directed by Jeremy Lewis, choreographed by William F. Lett, with musical direction by Mitchell Hanlon, running April 21-May 7, 2017 in the Young Theatre on campus. Lovers Queenie and Burrs decide to throw the party to end all parties in their Manhattan apartment. Accustomed to living life on the edge, Queenie's wandering eyes land on a striking man named Black. As the decadence is reachingreaches a climax, so is does Burrs' jealousy, which erupts and sends him into a violent rage. Gun in hand and inhibitions abandoned, Burrs turns on Queenie and Black. The gun gets fired, but who's been shot? This steamy Off-Broadway prohibition tale roared its way into Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Obie Awards. Andrew Lippa's Wild Party is "recommended for adults only."

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