Denison University will open its 2001-2002 season with the presentation ofThe Dining Roomby A.R. Gurney at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday (Sept. 28 and 29) and Tuesday through Saturday (Oct. 2-6) in Ace Morgan Theatre.

Albert Ramsdell Gurney is one of the most often produced playwrights in the United States. Most of his plays are about the issues of middle-class life in America, and have been performed all over the world.

Written in 1982,The Dining Roomis a richly humorous, moving and theatrical play in which six actors portray an array of diverse characters, exploring a wide spectrum of American culture in the 20th century -- and the now-neglected room that was once a vital center of family life.

"One of the reasons we chose this play was because it provided a good acting challenge," commented Director Peter Pauze, associate professor of theatre at Denison, "Our six actors each play nine or 10 characters - from very young to very old, and everything in between."

The Dining Roomis a play that is sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, and has interesting things to say about American society," continued Pauze. "A dining room is probably the least used room in a house these days. This play gives a romantic look at a lost cultural phenomenon."

Peter Pauze is also the scenic and lighting designer for this production; costume designer is Associate Professor Cynthia Turnbull. Junior Kelly Little (Oakland, Mich.) is stage manager, senior Jessica George (Medina) is assistant stage manager and junior Jessica Pitcairn (Cincinnati) is assistant to the costume designer.

Cast members include: seniors Abby Chessen (Lewisburg Pa.), Lynn Hull (Jacksonville Fla.), and Laura Spencer (Toledo); sophomores Jeffrey Smith (Parkville, Mo.) and Marc Soloff (Pittsburgh, Pa.); and first-year student David Tyler (Chagrin Falls).

Tickets forThe Dining Roomare $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and $4 for students of all ages. Call (740) 587-6527 to reserve tickets and for more information.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575