MVC Theatre presents 'The Robber Bridegroom' October 7-10 in the Eckilson-Mabee Theatre

The Missouri Valley College Department Of Theatre, Music and Dance will present "The Robber Bridegroom," a musical by Robert Waldman and Alfred Uhry, at 7:30 p.m. nightly from Oct. 7-10 in the Eckilson-Mabee Theatre on the MVC campus.

A rousing, bawdy Southern fairy tale based on a Eudora Welty story, set in eighteenth century Mississippi, "The Robber Bridegroom" is the story of the courting of Rosamund, the only daughter of the richest planter in the country, by Jamie Lockhart, a rascally robber of the woods.

The proceedings go awry, thanks to an unconventional case of double-mistaken identity. Throw in an evil stepmother intent on Rosamund's demise, her pea-brained henchman and a hostile talking head-in-a-trunk, and you have the recipe for a rollicking country romp.

"It's like a bluegrass Monty Python," said Harold Hynick, assistant professor of theatre, dance and music. "The seemingly homespun humor takes many dark twists and turns as the play unfolds. The play is not recommended for children due to mature subject matter."

The musical was a hit success in 1976, receiving a Tony award nomination for Best Book of a Musical. The author, Uhry, has the distinguished honor of being the only American writer to win a Pulitzer Prize, an Oscar, and a Tony award.

Cast members include: Will Van Wig, freshman from Hartsburg, as Jamie Lockhart; Jessie Greenfield, senior from Raytown, as Rosamund Musgrove; Joshua Schwartz, sophomore from Salisbury; Crystal Mann, freshman from Marshall; Lance Weinhardt, senior from St. Louis; Bradford Scott, junior from Kansas City; Sarah Webb, junior from Independence; Catie Combs, sophomore from Blue Springs; Charlique Rolle, sophomore from the Bahamas.

Other cast members include Nick Aragon, Raymond Banks, Desiree Groff, Zach Mckinney and Kloee Shipp.

"This is a musical that will have audiences tapping their feet to the music and laughing at the characters and the humor," said Diana Malan, associate professor of theatre and music. "It's an evening of good fun."

Tickets are $5 for adults. For more info about the production contact Harold Hynick at hynickh@moval.edu or call 660-831-4052 for ticket information. Visit www.moval.edu/tmd for online ticket information. Tickets will also be available on nights of the show.