Quirky Love Story Squelches Winter Blues at CWU

January 30, 2009

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Central Washington University's Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE) tackles the winter blues with a quirky love story, "The Woolgatherer," by William Mastrosimone. The play is limited to a three-performance engagement February 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and February 8 at 2 p.m. in Hertz Auditorium.

Set in a small apartment in South Philadelphia in 1979, the story follows the unlikely romance of Rose, a nervous and flighty woman who works the candy counter at the local five-and-dime, and Cliff, a foul-mouthed truck driver looking for a one night stand while his broken rig is being repaired. Both characters find much more than expected when they begin to open up and share the fears that have left them both unable to find the human connection they so desperately seek.

"It is a story about two damaged people who somehow find each other in the swampy mass of humanity and, despite their own fears regarding intimacy, manage to connect and begin to heal each other," says Director George Bellah 3rd. "There is a real resonance to the story that transcends the time period and is as captivating today as the first time I read it as an undergraduate 30 years ago."

While the "beautiful language and characters" were what initially drew Bellah to the play, he says he is also excited about the extraordinary opportunity it will provide for the students staring in this two-character production.

"It is a small project that allows for intensive character study and work," adds Bellah. "Because of the varied and large-scale productions in the current season, we were able to fit this smaller project into the mix. In a very competitive audition process, the roles went to two of our current Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)-Performance candidates."

Tyson Dailey, a senior pursuing the BFA-Performance degree, is Cliff. A 2005 graduate of Sequim High School, he has appeared in the CTE productions of "Much Ado About Nothing," "Peter Pan," and "The Two Gentlemen of Verona." Dailey was the recipient of the David L. Boushey Scholarship for Movement in 2007 and is a founding member of the Central Swordplayers, a stage combat troupe that specializes in community outreach with high schools. He is the son of Steven and Wendy Dailey of Sequim.

Anna Newbury, a junior pursuing the BFA-Performance degree, is Rose. She was a member of the ensemble cast of the CTE production of "Vietnam 101: The War on Campus." Newbury is the recipient of the Masonic Lodge Scholarship for Musical Accomplishment. She is the daughter of Russ and Loralee Newbury of Pasco.

The production also provides design opportunities for students as three design students take on the major design elements of this performance.

Freshman Connor Galagan-Mead serves as the lighting designer for the production. He is a graduate of Stadium High School where he served as lighting technician for "The Wiz" and as a student director at a one-act play festival. In addition to his role in "The Woolgatherer," he will have the opportunity to direct for the upcoming "Dr. Betty Evans Original One-Act Festival." He is the son of Mary Galagan and Mark Mead of Tacoma.

Laura Hahn, a senior theatre arts major, provides the scenic design for "The Woolgatherer." A 2004 Cedar Crest High School graduate, Hahn has brought her artistic talents to several CTE productions. She was a scenic artist for "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "Peter Pan," and the charge artist for "A Christmas Carol." She is the daughter of Ken Hahn of Homer, Ala., and Nancy Hahn of Poulsbo.

Samantha Shields, a junior theatre arts major, is the costume designer for the production. A 2006 Mercer Island High School graduate, Shields was a member of the wardrobe crew for "Peter Pan" and was wardrobe supervisor for "The Two Gentlemen of Verona." Shields will also serve as costume coordinator for the "Dr. Betty Evans Original One-Act Festival" later this quarter. She is the daughter of John and Kim Shields of Edmonds.

Allison Doyle, stage manager, and Heather King, assistant director, round out the production team.

Doyle is a junior theatre arts major focusing her study on stage management. A 2006 Shorecrest High School graduate, Doyle has served as an assistant stage manager for the CTE production of "Art." She will also be among the stage managers in the upcoming "Dr. Betty Evans Original One-Act Festival." Doyle appeared on stage last spring as one of the Lost Boys in "Peter Pan." She is the daughter of Ray and Maureen Doyle of Lake Forest Park.

King, a senior pursuing the BFA-Musical Theatre degree, is an active member of the Department of Theatre Arts both on and off stage. King was seen in the 2007 Musical Theatre Summer Conservatory "Red Curtain Revue," "Peter Pan," and "Here We Come A Caroling." She was properties master for "The Two Gentlemen of Verona," is an officer in both the Central Theatre Club and the Department of Theatre Arts' Student Advisory Counsel, and was the recipient of departmental scholarships in 2005-06 and 2006-07. She is the daughter of Phillip and Tracy King of Port Orchard.

Tickets are currently on sale for all 2009 CTE productions, including "The Woolgatherer." The CTE box office, located in the lobby of McConnell Auditorium, is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. For tickets, visit the box office, or call 509-963-1774 during regular business hours. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.cwu.edu/~theatre/tix. Tickets will also on sale at the door one hour prior to each performance based on availability. Tickets are $8 general admission and $5 for CWU students with valid ID. "The Woolgatherer" contains some strong language and is intended for mature audiences.

Media Contact: Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, 509-963-1416, olint@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of placebound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.