The latest theatrical endeavor from El Paso Community College (EPCC) Theatre is set to tickle the funny bones of theatergoers at the end of February with the absurdist comedy, 'Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You In The Closet And I'm Feeling So Sad'. The play, penned by Arthur Kopit, promises a dive into the bizarre and the humorous, becoming the focal point for students to hone their craft under the guidance of Theatre Director Ted Karber.
According to EPCC News, Karber finds great joy in the educational process, stating, "It is always very rewarding to watch students grow and learn." The student actors are proving their mettle in the demanding roles, and the director is especially impressed with the leads who "carry the show", despite the complexity and oddity of the play's genre.
The curtain rises on February 28, with performances slated to run through March 9 at the Transmountain Campus Forum Theatre. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 p.m., giving audiences ample opportunities to catch the show. The price of admission is budget-friendly, with tickets at $6 for General Admission and a dollar discount available for Senior Citizens, Military, EPCC Faculty, and Staff. EPCC students can delight in one free admission with a valid ID. Details about the production and ticketing can be found on EPCC's theatre webpage.
The play centers on the excessively controlling Madame Rosepettle and her son Jonathan, trapped in the extravagance of a Caribbean resort. The plot thickens with the introduction of a sultry babysitter, a vegetarian-consuming plant, piranha fish, and the looming presence of a coffin holding Mr. Rosepettle. Angelina Villalva steps into the shoes of Madame Rosepettle, with Jair Rosales as Jonathan, amongst other talented cast members who bring this peculiar story to life. "Directed by Ted Karber, Jr" the show is both a study in character dynamics and a leap into the delightfully outrageous.
The EPCC Theatre continues to craft spaces for students to explore their potential audiences and their imaginations. 'Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You In The Closet And I'm Feelin' So Sad' offers a unique theatrical experience, which, under the proficient hands of Karber and his cast, is primed to leave an indelible mark on all who step into the Forum Theatre this spring.
