In less then a week, the Department of Visual and Performing Art’s at Grambling State University will present its second stage production Cheatin’. Opens next Tuesday, and Director Nicholas Harrison says the complexity of comedy for this show will keep students laughing in their seats.
“This show will stand out from the rest because comedy is more complex than any other kinds of genre you put together,” says Harrison. Although he has directed smaller productions, preparation for his first directorial debut has been daunting, but for junior Klervae Stinson, this will be her first season show and she’s quite nervous.
“I feel like nerves are good,” laughs Stinson. “It keeps the adrenaline rushing before the show,” says the New Orleans native.
Cheatin’ is a comedic and “very heterosexual romp” set in the fictional town of Lowake, Texas, Harrison said. The comedy is fast paced and touching with a sense of authentic Texas humor.
“This is a solid cast full of verterans and newbies,” said Harrison. He says even though this expeience is overwhelming, he chose the right people for his directorial debut. “The bonds of these characters are amazing. I enjoyed working with students who like to have fun, so what can you ask for?”
The clan includes Bo Bob played by Frankie Nelson, the dimwitted mailman, and Clarence(Ja’Quarius Drew), is local stud and mechanic whohas been messin’ with Ovella since high school. Ovella is played by Stinson. Her faithful girl is Sara Lee Turnover (Tiana Alexander), the beautician; Teddy Joe (Brandon Mcknight), Ovella’s wronged husband, who is more brawn than brain, and Maybelline (Ashley Boston), the overweight waitress who wants to be in love.
The play was written by Del Shores, who is an accomplished writer and director. His plays have entertained sell-out crowds in Los Angeles for decades, starting with Cheatin’ and leading up to his most recent play, Yellow.
Showtimes for Cheatin’ will start at 7 p.m. Nov. 6-9 at the Floyd L. Sandle Theatre in the Conrad Hutchinson Performing Arts Center Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for general admission. For more information, call Duffie Modest at 318-274-2201.