TheatreUNCA Presents "The Playboy of the Western World" November 17-21

Peegen (Lauren Jeffries) and Christy (Ryan Taylor) toast their newfound love

Christy Mahon killed his father -- or did he? Find out when TheatreUNCA stages J.M. Synge’s classic play "The Playboy of the Western World" November 17-21 at UNC Asheville’s Carol Belk Theatre.

First produced in Dublin in 1907, "The Playboy of the Western World," is the tale of an Christy Mahon, a young man who visits a small village and suddenly finds himself adored because he tells the villagers that he has killed his father. This unlikely hero falls in love and is set to marry until the truth about his past and the supposed murder is revealed. Rich in humor, romance and social commentary, "The Playboy of the Western World" captures the essence of Irish life and is widely considered a masterpiece of poetic drama.

"The Playboy of the Western World" is directed by Scott Walters, UNC Asheville associate professor of drama. The cast includes sophomore Ryan Taylor as Mahon and sophomore Lauren Jeffries as his sweetheart Pegeen Mike.

Curtain is 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 senior citizens and $5 students. Because of the intimate size of UNC Asheville’s Carol Belk Theatre and often heavy demand for tickets, advance purchase is strong advised. Tickets may be charged by phone after November 11 by calling 828/232-2291 between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Tickets are also available at the box office 90 minutes before each curtain and online at www.unca.edu/drama/.

For more information, call UNC Asheville’s Drama Department at 828/251-6610.

Media Contacts:

• Rob Bowen, UNC Asheville Drama Department Chair, 828/251-6650
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526