Stage III Community Theatre's THE MISSION OF THE VEGA Closes

STAGE III COMMUNITY THEATRE and the CASPER PLANETARIUM PRESENT "THE MISSION OF THE VEGA" a radio play by Friedrich Durrenmatt through February 26.

In 2255, the Free United States of Europe and America stand on the brink of war with Russia and United Asia, Africa and Australia. To survive, they must enlist the help of the people residing on Venus which has been the world's penal colony for 200 years. And so, the diplomatic mission of the Vega begins. Its delegation will be surprised by what has become of the criminals and subversives they expect to find on Venus.

This is the basis of the upcoming radio theater production of "The Mission of the Vega" written by Friedrich Durrenmatt. It marks the 8th annual Theater of the Mind which combines the efforts of Stage III Community Theatre and the Casper Planetarium. A special presentation will be performed entirely in the original German, Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 pm.

Theater of the Mind takes audiences back to the days of sitting around the family radio listening to dramas with only their imaginations to bring the characters to life. However, in the planetarium, you are not completely on your own. As actors speak from behind the dome, visual effects are projected and live sound effects (Foley) fill in.

The show is directed by Dob Wallace and features two casts of nine each. Performing the English version are: Mannerheim, Charles Ewing; Lady Hilary Wood, Pat Pulitzer; Captain Lee, Undersecretary and John Smith, Ron Richard; Colonel Camille Roi and Petersen, Dob Wallace; Minister for War, Lou Tinney; Minister for Extraterrestrial Regions, Corry Drake; Irene and Voice Rebecca Albertson and Bonstetten, Cal Strand.

Director Dob Wallace has taught German at Natrona County High School for 34 years. He recommended this play to the Stage III Board of Directors and suggested that a German performance be included as an opportunity for advanced students. Students performing in the German version are: Joanna LaPerriere; Aaron Eck; Graham Wallace; Dob Wallace; Kharesse Stauffacher; Paul Salveson; Margaret Born; Jordan Ingles and Charles Ewing. Ewing is a German instructor at Casper College and is featured in the role of Mannerheim in both versions of the play.

Foley artists for both versions are Nick McDill and Micki Wallace. Lighting Tech for both versions will be done by Jim Gunderson.

For tickets or information, call the Casper Planetarium at 577-0310. This production is funded in part by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council. The show is approximately 75 minutes long and is suitable for ages 13 and older.