Catawba College presents 'The Women,' opening Sept. 29

Students prepare for a rehearsal of 'The Women' at Catawba College. From left to right are Liz Parsons, Amber Hughes, Carmen Bartlett, Katie Haeuser and Eleanor Withrow. Photo submitted by Catawba College.

Amber Hughes - The Women

Catawba College student Chris Speer works behind the scenes to prepare for Catawba's production of 'The Women.' Photo submitted by Catawba College

Meghan McLaughlin, Carrie Foster, Rachel Mehaffey and Carrie Harris - The Women

"And we will know that we have arrived when whether there are men or not is not important at all." In Catawba College's production of "The Women," whether men are in attendance or not is of no consequence.

In playwright Clare Boothe Luce's world of money, the action of these rich socialites centers on men ... without a single man ever appearing on stage. Offered by an all-female ensemble, each character in the play contributes to the representation of the many facets of womanhood, ranging through the spectrum from compassion to cattiness.

This rollicking comedy of manners pokes fun at the lives of the rich and pampered, offering the audience a view of the raucous inner workings of socialite Manhattan in the 1930s. Follow protagonist Mary Haines throughout her tribulations of adultery, divorce, and backstabbing best friends – who will get their just desserts?

Although originally written in 1936, the world of "The Women" is just as applicable today. The script explores what happens when the pressures of society encourage women to attempt to become what they may not naturally be: perfect, beautiful, unattainable mannequins.

Clare Boothe Luce penned this play as a reflection of her own materialistic social circles. It is a timeless piece of art that reflects the good, the bad, and the ugly of feminine wiles. Simply put, it's all about women – warts and all.

Immediately following Friday night's performance, the second annual Blue Masque Hall of Fame induction ceremony and reception will take place. The ceremony is expected to begin at approximately 9:30 p.m., and a reception will follow on Keppel Auditorium stage. Tickets for this event may be purchased from the theatre arts department box office at 704-637-4481, or through the Catawba alumni office. Contributions and proceeds go to support the continuation and development of the Blue Masque Hall of Fame.

Crew members include junior C.M. Garrison, stage manager; junior Ryan Glidewell, assistant technical director; junior Zack Lynch, assistant director; junior Liz Parsons, hair and make-up design; senior Matt Patrick, sound design/engineer; and sophomore Maggie Truxell, assistant stage manager.

Cast members include senior Carmen Bartlett, junior Cassie Bell, sophomore Kat Campagna, junior Carrie Foster, sophomore Megan Fields, junior Katie Haeuser, junior Carrie Harris, senior Amber Hughes, sophomore Sarah LeJeune, junior Shanna Locklair, junior Amber McCleerey, senior Meghan McLaughlin, junior Rachel Mehaffey, junior Mary Alice Nichols, sophomore Annabelle Prince, junior Katherine Tierney, senior Eleanor Withrow.

Catawba's production of "The Women," by Clare Boothe Luce, opens in Hedrick Theatre on campus at 6:55 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29. It is offered again at 6:55 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, and thereafter, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 1-3.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for senior citizens and non-Catawba students. Group discounts are available. For more details, contact the Catawba College theatre box office at 704-637-4481, or buy your tickets online at http://www.showtix4u.com. Seating will be limited during the Homecoming weekend; therefore it is suggested that reservations be made as early as possible.