T.J. Green to perform in "The Dead Guy" at William Woods University

2013 Nov 12

William Woods University next month will present "The Dead Guy," a satirical play that reflects on the American obsession with reality television.

T.J. Green of Brandon, Miss., is cast as Eldon Phelps.

The WWU theatre department will perform "The Dead Guy" at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-7, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Dec. 8, in Dulany Auditorium. This is the second main stage production of the season.

Written by playwright and screenwriter Eric Coble, "The Dead Guy" features the ultimate TV reality show. A young man gets to spend $1 million over the next seven days, and a camera crew will follow him around to broadcast his every move and every adventure on national television.

There is a deadly catch involved, however. At the end of the week he will die according to the method voted on by the viewing audience. Since he's in a tough luck position, he can't turn the offer down.

"Whether you are entertained or disgusted, Coble's skillfully woven comedy is a humorous and thoughtful critique on society's obsession with other people's realities," the pop culture magazine, L.A. Splash, said of the production.

The play follows 11 charactersa"the hard-luck leading man, Eldon; middle-aged producer; the reserved cameraman; Eldon's mother and brother; Eldon's ex-girlfriend; two girls who know how to have a good time; a security guard who knows how to kill a good time; a pediatric doctor; and a nurse/born-again Christian.

The production will be directed by Melissa Alpers-Springer, assistant professor of communications. Set design will be created by guest artist Theron Seckington, a aZscene shop assistant at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Staff member Jane Friedman will design the costumes.

Tickets for "The Dead Guy" go on sale Nov. 18. Prices are $12 for adults; $10 for senior citizens (62+); $8 for WWU faculty, and staff; $7 for WWU students; and $6 for children (ages 6-12).

The production contains mature content and staging.

Purchase tickets by visiting the box office in McNutt Campus Center 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, calling 573-592-4267 or emailing box.office@williamwoods.edu. Tickets are also available online at www.Showtix4u.com (credit/debit card only).