EUGENE–"She Stoops to Conquer," the late 18th-century classic that that critics credit with re-inventing comedy, will open University Theatre’s 2000-2001 season Nov. 3 at the University of Oregon.

The production of Oliver Goldsmith’s perennial hit will continue Nov. 4, 9—11 and 17—18. Curtain time for all performances will be 8 p.m. in Robinson Theatre at Villard Hall, 1109 Old Campus Lane. Free parking is available nearby in the UO lot at East 11th Avenue and Kincaid Street.

In addition, a matinee performance benefiting Habitat for Humanity will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12. Tickets are $15 each for this special performance. To reserve tickets, call Habitat for Humanity, (541) 741-1707.

Goldsmith had an immediate hit on his hands after the first performance of "She Stoops to Conquer" on March 15, 1773. Many of the situations and characters in the 18th-century play are still recognizable in contemporary situation comedies and soap operas.

The play uses gentle wit and hysterical circumstances to critique the snobbery of the upper class. However, when country ways finally overcome city manners, love, of course, triumphs over all.

The story centers on two rich, handsome and single but shy men, Charles Marlow and George Hastings. It focuses on their amusing attempts to court two beautiful young women, Kate Hardcastle and Constance Neville. In the play, a practical joke played by Kate’s stepbrother, Tony Lumpkin, results in cases of mistaken identity that almost ruin two pending marriages.

Director Jack Watson, a theater arts professor and department head, advises theatergoers to come prepared to enjoy themselves at this production.

"This play offers the cast and the audience a wonderful playground for high jinks and good ol’ fun," he says. "The humor of this play is irresistible. Bring your giggles and belly laughs as you experience the high-spirited wit and physical comedy, delightful characters and innocent romance of the late 18th century."

Combine this scripted playground of fun with the inventive and charming scenic and costume designs, Watson says, and everyone should be ready for an evening of sparkle and laughter.

The production team working with Watson includes scenic designer Steen Mitchell, a second-year Master of Fine Arts design student from San Marino, Calif.; costume designer Alexandra Bonds, a theater arts professor; lighting designer and technical director Janet Rose, a theater arts senior instructor; sound designer Greg Thorson, a senior theater arts major from Medford; and properties manager Quinn Mattfeld, a junior theater arts major from Camas, Wash.

David George, a sophomore theater arts major from Corvallis, is the stage manager while Shannon Nicole Case, a sophomore theater arts major from Gresham, is assistant stage manager. Kim Harmon, a senior theater arts major from Los Angeles, Calif., and Alexander Pawlowski, a senior theater arts major from Elmira, are assistant directors. Daniele Ozymandias, a senior theater arts major from Eugene, is the production dramaturg. Josh Pearson and Mie Yamada, both senior theater arts majors from Eugene, are assistant costume designers.

The cast features Teegan Ahrens, a senior theater arts major from Bend, as Jenny and Lizbeth, and Wayne Bund, a sophomore theater arts major from Boring, as Slang and Dick. Eugene residents Kimberly Bates, a junior theater arts major, plays Constance Neville, and Jon Sharpy, a junior theater arts major, plays the roles of Aminadab and Diggory.

Curtis Williams, a junior theater arts major from Gresham, fills the role of Tony Lumpkin; Giovanni Bliss, a junior linguistics major from Lake Oswego, is featured in the roles of Muggins and Roger; and Jocelyn Foltz, a junior theater arts major from Monmouth, plays Stingo and Penny.

Portland residents Bekki Barnhart, a senior theater arts major, is featured in the role of Kate Hardcastle, and Matthew J. Woodburn, a theater arts and comparative literature major, is featured as Sir Charles Marlow. Minnie Goode, a senior theater arts major from Tigard, plays Mrs. Hardcastle.

Brian Henderson, a senior philosophy major from Sacramento, Calif., is cast as George Hastings; Quinn Mattfield, a junior theater arts major from Camas, Wash., is Young Marlow; and Rowan Morrison, a junior theater arts major from Seattle, Wash., plays Squire Hardcastle.

Tickets for this show are $10 each for the general public; $8 for UO faculty and staff members, senior citizens, and non-UO students; and $5 for UO students. Season tickets are also on sale, in regular and Freedom Pack options, for the four plays that comprise the 2000-2001 Robinson Theatre season.

Tickets are available now on campus at the Ticket Office in the Erb Memorial Union,
1222 E. 13th Ave., (541) 346-4363. New this year, tickets will be sold only on days of performances at the University Theatre Box Office in Robinson Theatre at Villard Hall, 346-4191.

For more information, browse http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~theatre or call the University Theatre Development Office, 346-4190. A taped message about University Theatre productions and activities also is available 24 hours a day by calling GuardLine from a Touch-Tone phone at 485-2000, ext. 2287.

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