Rollicking Restoration Comedy Up Next For CWU CTE

November 3, 2004

Contact: Leslee Caul (509-963-1769/fax 509-963-1767/e-mail: caull@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The Central Washington University Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE) continues its 2004-2005 with the lavish and rollicking Restoration comedy, "Tartuffe." Written by renowned French playwright Moliere in 1669, the play was translated into English verse by Richard Wilbur. It will be directed by George W. Bellah 3rd, CWU theatre arts department chair and graduate studies coordinator.

The story centers around Orgon, the head of a well-to-do French household, who is duped into signing away his fortune to the con artist Tartuffe, who is posing as a righteous holy man. It takes all of the Orgon's family, plus a little royal intervention, to set things right again.

In the role of Orgon is junior theatre arts/performance major Alex Garnett. He has appeared in several CTE productions, most recently as Carl in "Bus Stop" and Meriwether Lewis in "Birdwoman: the Story of Sacagawea." Several of Garnett's short plays have been produced by CTE. He is the son of Dick and Sandra Garnett of Soap Lake.

Ryan Holmberg, junior theatre arts/performance major, is Tartuffe. Holmberg was an Irene Ryan Acting Competition Semifinalist in the 2003 Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival (KC/ACTF) for Region VII. He also acted in last year's CTE productions of "Bus Stop" and "How I Learned to Drive." Holmberg is the son of Barb MacGregor of Lacey and Dave and Janie Holmberg of Arizona.

Alicia James, junior theatre arts/performance major, is Madame Pernelle, Orgon's overbearing mother. She has worked both in front of and behind the curtain at CWU. James performed in last year's short play festival, "Tens," and was an assistant stage manager for "How I Learned to Drive." She has also acted and directed in her native Wenatchee. James is the daughter of Sandy James of Wenatchee and Gerald James of Everett.

Brian Kiger, junior theatre arts/performance major, plays Cleante, Orgon's counselor and brother. Kiger acted extensively at Green River Community College prior to joining CTE last year. He appeared as Greg in last year's CTE production of "How I Learned to Drive." Kiger is the son of Thomas and Sharon Kiger of Maple Valley.

Amy Hill, senior theatre arts/performance major, is Elmire, Orgon's mild-mannered wife. Hill is a seasoned veteran of CTE, starring as Lil' Bit in "How I Learned to Drive," Elma in "Bus Stop" and Graziella in "West Side Story." Hill is the daughter of Roger and Janet Hill of Olympia.

Tina Perna, junior theatre arts/performance major, is Dorine, the household's outspoken lady's maid. She was seen most recently as Moongirl in CTE's Youth Theatre Tour production of "Birdwoman: the Story of Sacagawea" and also served as makeup and hair designer for the production. She was also assistant hair designer for "West Side Story." Perna is the daughter of Vince and Edie Perna of Ohio.

Allison Wooldridge, sophomore theatre arts/performance major, is Mariane, Orgon's sweet but simple-minded daughter. Wooldridge, an Ellensburg native, has appeared in several Ellensburg High School productions including the role of Sarah Brown in the 2003 production of "Guys and Dolls." She has also appeared in Valley Musical Theatre Company productions in Ellensburg. Wooldridge is the daughter of Don Wooldridge and Sue Wilson of Ellensburg.

Mike Albert, senior theatre arts/performance major, is Valere, Mariane"s fiancé. Albert has appeared in many CTE productions, including last season's "West Side Story." In 2003 he starred in "The Conventioneers" which went on to compete at KC/ACTF. Albert is the son of G. Steven and Colleen Albert of Covington and Suzanne and Arnoldus Janssen of Poulsbo.

Ryan Wallace, senior theatre arts/performance and management major, is Damis, Orgon's hot-headed son. Wallace has worked both onstage and off in several CTE productions. Last season he acted in the CTE production of "West Side Story" and stage managed "Bus Stop." Wallace is the son of Ray Wallace of Enumclaw and Jo and Craig Jorgensen of Black Diamond.

Lauren Merry, senior theatre arts/education major, plays Flipote, Madame Pernelle's silent servant. Merry has worked behind the scenes in several CTE productions, assisting with wardrobe in "The Laramie Project" and operating a spot light in "West Side Story." She has also worked for Seattle Children's Theatre as a member of its ensemble for the Young Actor Institute Showcase. Merry is the daughter of Paul Merry and Carrie Wallace of Seattle.

Cohen Ambrose, sophomore theatre arts/performance major, plays Laurent, Tartuffe's lurking manservant. A recent transfer student, Ambrose has appeared in several productions at Flathead Valley Community College in his native Montana, with roles in "The Comedy of Errors," "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged" and "Cyclone." Ambrose is the son of Carl Ambrose and Rebecca Johns of Montana.

James Frasca, junior theatre arts/performance major, plays Monsieur Loyal, a bailiff. Also a transfer student, Frasca has acted in several productions at South Puget Sound Community College, including roles in "View of the Dome" and "The Dining Room." Frasca is the son of John Frasca of Olympia and Julie Robinson and Charles Garrott of Olympia.

Performances of "Tartuffe" are Nov. 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 8 p.m., Nov. 18 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. in McConnell Auditorium. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for students. Sunday matinees are $8 for all tickets. Tartuffe is most enjoyable for mature audiences; parental guidance is suggested for children under 13 due to some adult situations.

Tickets can be purchased from 1-5 p.m. weekdays at the Milo Smith Tower Theatre Box Office and one hour prior to each performance at the McConnell Auditorium Box Office. Tickets can also be purchased by phone with a VISA or MasterCard.

For tickets, more information, or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1774, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.