Nevada Conservatory Theatre's production of William Inge's "Come Back, Little Sheba" opens February 8 in the Judy Bayley Theatre at UNLV. The play originally opened on Broadway in 1950.
Doc and Lola Delaney, struggling through a stale marriage of 25 years, find their uneasy relationship threatened when a young art student rents a room in their home. The play was considered controversial in its day because it focused on subjects that were not discussed in public in the 50s such as sexuality, pregnancy out of wedlock, and alcoholism.
Equity actress Susan Denaker plays the role of Lola. At the Cygnet Theatre in San Diego, she played Beatrice in "A View From the Bridge" which won her a Theatre Critic's Circle Award. At the La Jolla Playhouse, she played Miss Lucy in "Sweet Bird of Youth" and Mrs. Soames in "Our Town." Her London credits include Laura Cram in "Holiday" at London's Old Vic, Maria Feletti in "Accidental Death of an Anarchist" at Eyndham's Theatre, Rosina in "Country Life" at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. She currently lives in Los Angeles where she records audio books for Random House when not performing.
Equity actor Michael Tylo, artist-in-residence at UNLV, plays Doc. Tylo was recently seen in the NCT production "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" where he played Teddy Lloyd.
Guest artist Richard Isackes designs the set. He has twice been the recipient of the Boston Circle Critic's Award for best scene design for his productions of "Translations" and "Uncle Vanya" at Boston's Huntington Theatre.
"Come Back, Little Sheba" is directed by College of Fine Arts Dean Jeffrey Koep and also features equity actor Phil Hubbard, along with Savannah Smith-Thomas, Douglas Milliron, Val Kolar, Katie Mazzola, LeBrandon Shead, Robert Burgess, Rob Batusch, Kyle Van Son and Dean Gronemeier.
Lighting is by Brackley Frayer, with costumes by Jessica Culpepper
Performances are February 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 2008 at 8 p.m. with matinees February 10 and 17 at
2 p.m. Tickets are $30, $25 and $20 and on sale at the Performing Arts Center Box Office located in the southeast corner of the parking garage on Cottage Grove. Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Box office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The box office may be reached by calling 895-ARTS (2787).