INFORMATION FOR
William Paterson University in Wayne will present a production of “Buick Becomes Electra or The Torrid Zone” a new comedy by Clarksburg playwright Stanley Werse, from June 3 to 13 in the Hunziker Black Box Theatre on campus.
As the grand prize winner in the University’s New Jersey Playwright’s Competition, Werse was awarded a fully staged production of his play. The competition’s judges consisted of William Paterson faculty and staff and members of the local theatre community.
The cast is comprised of five William Paterson University students: Celestine Dupree of Bogota; Jonathan Petry of Newton; Nicole Repekta of Saddle Brook; Robert Shechner of Branchville; and Cindy Strom of Haledon. Jennifer Lubach of Bound Brook and Erin Zapcic of Nutley, William Paterson alumnae, also appear. Regional professional actors Steven L. Barron of Metuchen; Rosie Gunther of Ridgewood; and Lawrence Wong of Morris Plains complete the cast. The production is directed by Ed Matthews, a professional staff member in William Paterson’s University Performing Arts.
“Buick Becomes Electra or The Torrid Zone” is a comedy that combines elements of Greek mythology, film noir, two classic cars and “The Twilight Zone.” The amusing tale of a professor and the hitchhiker he picks up has a surprise ending. Raymond Torres-Santos, dean of the College of the Arts and Communication, worked with students in his Music for Media class to compose original underscoring for the production. Gina Guerrieri, assistant professor of communication, and students in her filmmaking class created film sequences that will be integrated into the new play.
Stan Werse is a winner of the Chicago Scriptworks and a semi-finalist at the Austin Film Festival, and the Nicholl Competition for his screenplays. He is a member of the writer’s lab at the Pulse Ensemble in Manhattan. Werse is a graduate of Syracuse University and Widener University School of Law.
Show times for “Buick Becomes Electra or The Torrid Zone” are 8 p.m. on June 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, and 12; and 2 p.m. on June 6 and 13. Tickets are $15, $12 for senior citizens and the William Paterson community, and $9 for students. A Meet-the-Author session immediately follows the June 6 matinee. For directions or to purchase tickets, please call the Shea Center Box Office at 973-720-2371.
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