The Ladies Man Opens March 7

The Theater Department is presenting a fun-filled farce, The Ladies Man, from March 7 to 16 in Upton Hall’s Warren Enters Theatre.

Donn Youngstrom, chair and associate professor of theater, is directing the eight actors and four understudies in Charles Morey’s 2007 adaptation of the 1886 comedy written by Georges Feydeau.

“I saw a production at the Geva Theatre Center in Rochester and thought it was great fun,” Youngstrom said. “Although we’ve performed farce before, our students have not done Feydeau in the 19 years that I’ve been here.”

The comedy reveals how one tiny lie told to cover an embarrassing indiscretion multiples into increasingly convoluted deceptions, misunderstandings, and mistaken identities.

“This all happens almost immediately,” said Youngstrom who describes the play, as “A 1960s sex comedy, but it’s rated PG. Think Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis.”

Another distinct aspect of this production is that it takes place on two revolving, stages, acquired by the department from the former Studio Arena Theatre .

Youngstrom said the cast and crew love the production.

“It’s very different for them,” he said. “What we’re trying to do (in the department) is give the students a variety of experiences.”

The opening performance, Thursday, March 7, begins at 8:00 p.m. Subsequent performances will be held at 8:00 p.m. March 8–9 and March 14–16 and 2:00 p.m. March 9 and 16.

Tickets are $15 for the general public; $10 for faculty, staff, and alumni, $6 for Buffalo State students; and free for high school students with ID. Tickets can be purchased online through the Performing Arts Center or via phone at (716) 878-3005.