Theater Department to Stage Screwball Comedy

Amnesia victim Claire (Rachel Swartzendruber) gleefully interrogates Millet (Matthew A. Pearson)Amnesia victim Claire (Rachel Swartzendruber) gleefully interrogates Millet (Matthew A. Pearson) in EMU Theater’s production of "Fuddy Meers."
Photo by Jim Bishop

The Eastern Mennonite University theater department will present an award-winning contemporary comedy, "Fuddy Meers," in the mainstage theater of the University Commons.

The two-act play, by David Lindsay-Abaire, will run Nov. 10-12 and Nov. 16-18. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.

Claire (Rachel Swartzendruber) has a rare form of amnesia that erases her memory whenever she goes to sleep. This morning, like all mornings, she wakes up a blank slate. Today, however, she finds herself confronted with a strange assortment of new faces: a limping, lisping, half-blind, half-deaf man in a ski mask; an upbeat husband who goes into the shower and never returns; a dimwitted thug with a beloved hand puppet; and a claustrophobic lady-cop.

Every twist and turn in this funhouse plot bring Claire closer to revealing her past life and everything she thought she’d forgotten. It’s one harrowing and hilarious turn after another on this roller-coaster ride through one woman’s attempt to regain her memory while surrounded by a curio-cabinet of alarmingly bizarre characters.

Patrick R.K. Reynolds, visiting assistant professor of theater, is directing the seven-member cast. The play features original music by Jerry Holsopple, professor of communications, and lighting, scenic and sound designs by award-winning student designer Davi Soesilo. Some language and subject matter are intended for mature audiences.

Tickets are available in advance by calling the EMU box office, 540-432-4582, and will also be on sale at the door.