Central Theatre Ensemble Begins Season With 'Lloyd's Prayer'

October 19, 2004

Contact: Leslee Caul (509-963-1760/fax 509-963-1767/e-mail: caull@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Central Washington University's Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE) will open the 2004-2005 season with "Lloyd's Prayer" Thursday, Oct. 28, in the Milo Smith Tower Theatre. An off-beat and hilarious comedy, "Lloyd's Prayer" is equal parts pointed satire and heartfelt character study.

"It has an interesting combination of zany humor, with a religious message," says Brenda Hubbard, CWU theatre arts professor and the show's director. "It's whimsical, fun and insightful. It's a show that will appeal to high school and college students, to people of all ages."

Bob, a boy raised by raccoons, is adopted by a flighty mother who spends her time living in the past and a father who's in love with his dog. Abandoned soon after he is adopted, Bob meets Lloyd, a lifelong con man. Wanting to make a quick buck off "Bob the Beast Boy," Lloyd turns Bob first into a sideshow attraction, then as the center of a religious scam. An Angel of the Lord arrives from heaven to show Lloyd the error of ways, and a battle for Bob's soul erupts. The quirkiness and whimsicality of "Lloyd's Prayer" is not limited solely to the script. One character makes their entrance on a motorized scooter, while another character named Porpy wears a giant fish suit. Even the scenic elements take on a certain absurdity, with a central piece being a tree comprised of an abstract pile of acting blocks.

"This is really Bob's story, so the show needs to be seen through the filter of Bob's eyes," says set and lighting designer Christina Barrigan. "The tree is the central symbol of the play and Bob's life. It's where he's most comfortable."

Written by noted literalist, playwright and public speaker Kevin Kling, "Lloyd's Prayer" has been "workshopped" at the Sundance Institute. Kling's other works include "21A" and "Fear and Loving in Minneapolis," and his work has been showcased in Seattle, the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, and off-Broadway.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune called "Lloyd's Prayer" a comedy that "sticks just close enough to reality to be extremely charming and funny."

Performances of "Lloyd's Prayer" are Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 at 7 p.m., Oct. 29-30 and Nov. 5-6 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. in the Milo Smith Tower Theatre. Tickets are $12 general admission, $10 for senior citizens and $8 for students. This season CTE is offering discount matinees. On Oct. 31 all seats for the matinee are $8.

The box office is open from 1 to 5 p.m. weekdays and one-hour prior to each performance. 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 the (509) 963-1774 or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.

"Lloyd's Prayer" is recommended for audiences 13-years-old and older.