Red Masquers Present SHUFFLE, BALL, CHANGE...AND DIE, 4/15-4/24

The "Star-turn Dance" is up for grabs in the spring recital at the Dance-tastic Dance Studio. How far will one parent go to make sure his or her daughter is selected?

That's the question in Shuffle, Ball Change...and DIE! a new comedy by Pittsburgh playwright F. J. Hartland making its world premiere with the Red Masquers of Duquesne University. April 15-24.
According to Hartland, "John Lane, assistant professor of English, approached me a year ago about writing a play for the Duquesne University Red Masquers. I presented him with three ideas, and he liked the one about parents who spend their Saturday mornings waiting for their daughters to finish dance class."

The play blends live theatre with pre-recorded film sequences.
I've always enjoyed watching true crime shows like 48 Hours and City Confidential," said Hartland. "So I made that the framework for the script." The film department at Duquesne is handling the recorded sequences.

"Working with John and the Red Masquers has been such a great experience. They've given me numerous opportunities to hear the script and to make revisions," said Hartland. "I am so pleased with the final version of Shuffle, Ball Change...and DIE!"

Hartland holds a BA in English from Westminster College and an MFA in playwriting from Carnegie-Mellon University. In 2008 Hartland was the recipient of a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Playwriting Fellowship. He holds the record for most appearances by a playwright in the Pittsburgh New Works Festival with nine productions. His Postcards from a Dead Dog won the PNWF for "Best Play" in 2005. Other Pittsburgh venues that have performed his work include: Bricolage, Rage of the Stage Productions, South Park Theatre, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, Upstairs Theatre, Pyramid Productions and Pittsburgh Pridefest.

In New York City, his work has been performed at Emerging Artists Theatre, 13th Street Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Theatre of the Open Eye, Don't Tell Mama and Lincoln Center Library Theatre. GayFestNYC wil be producing an Equity showcase of another new Hartland play Mother Tongue in May in New York City.

Shuffle, Ball Change...and DIE! will be performed at the Peter Mills Auditorium, Rockwell Hall on the Duquesne University Campus. Performance Dates are April 15, 16, 17 and 22, 23, 24. All performances are at 8pm. Ticket prices are $10 for general admission and $5 for seniors and students. Duquesne and Carlow University students, faculty and staff are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For reservations and more information call 412-396-6215.

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