The American Southwest Theatre Company at New Mexico State University Theatre Arts Presents Ruhl's THE CLEAN HOUSE 9/25-10/11

The American Southwest Theatre Company at New Mexico State University Theatre Arts is pleased to present the American comedy, THE CLEAN HOUSE, from September 25 to October 11 at the Hershel Zohn Theatre on the NMSU campus. It is the first production of the 2009 - 2010 ASTC/NMSU Season.

Sarah Ruhl's contemporary comedy, THE CLEAN HOUSE, follows Brazillian house cleaner Mathilde, who is on a mission to find the perfect joke--even if it kills her. NMSU Theatre Arts Department Head Tom Smith notes that "NMSU is one of the first universities to present this new work, produced on Broadway just a few seasons ago. Sarah Ruhl is one of America's finest playwrights, and we are thrilled to present her work for the first time to our audience."

THE CLEAN HOUSE will be directed by guest artist Jeffrey Mousseau. Mousseau is a director and producer based in New York. In addition to his extensive directing credits, he is the general manager of the National Asian American Theatre Festival in New York City. Tom Smith is excited that "Guest director Jeffrey Mousseau is coming from New York to bring this funny and touching comedy to life and will also offer workshops to NMSU students and the Las Cruces community as part of ASTC's outreach mission." Mousseau leads an experienced production team including NMSU Theatre Arts faculty members Jim Billings (scenic and lighting design), Deb Brunson (costume design), David Hereford (props design), and Mike Wise (sound design and stage management). Aly Sanchez will serve as choreographer.

The cast features popular local actors often seen on the Hershel Zohn Theatre stage. NMSU Theatre Arts faculty member Claudia Billings plays Virginia, while community actors Layle Chambers (Lane), Mike Cook (Charles), Monika Mojica (Mathilde), and Robin Dorfman (Ana) complete the cast.

Smith is pleased that "THE CLEAN HOUSE encapsulates the spirit behind the American Southwest Theatre Company: bringing together a resident company with students and theatre professionals to produce the finest theatre in the region!"

THE CLEAN HOUSE will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8p and Sundays at 2p from September 25 to October 11, with a Thursday preview performance at 7p on September 24 and a Thursday performance on October 8 at 7p. At 6p, prior to the preview performance on September 24, ASTC at NMSU Theatre Arts will celebrate the opening of our 2009 - 2010 season with a Season Opening Gala--food, drinks, music by Mariachi Diamante of Las Cruces High School, and a ticket to the show are included for only $15. Regular performances are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and NMSU faculty/staff, and $10 for students. For more information call the NMSU Theatre/ASTC box office at 646-4515 or 1-800-646-ASTC.