Marjorie Lyons Playhouse has been a centerpiece of Centenary's Arts Program for over 50 years. According to Centenary's website "the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse features state-of-the-art theatre equipment (light, sound, and stage), a greenroom, dressing rooms, courtyard, and space for workshops. The Playhouse also features an expansive stage, 317 seats, and a box office."

But recent budget cuts have put the future of this amazing performance space at risk. That's why The Friends Of Marjorie Lyons Playhouse have put together a who's-who of Shreveport actors to stage an amazing production of "August: Osage County."

Director Nate Wasson says that the company is dedicated to the future of the playhouse and Centenary's theatre program. "This is an alumni heavy (not fully alumni, but heavy) production from the cast to the creative team," said Wasson. "Sort of an inaugural production focused on providing quality entertainment for our audience while raising money to provide the students with the highest quality theatre arts education possible."

A press release from the company details the production:

When the large Weston family unexpectedly reunites after Dad disappears, their Oklahoman family homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. Mix in Violet, the drugged-up, scathingly acidic matriarch, and you've got a family drama that unflinchingly—and uproariously—exposes the dark side of the Midwestern American family.

Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for a staged-drama, and recently released as a film featuring Meryl Streep, Tracy Letts' ferociously entertaining dysfunctional family play comes roaring into the twenty-first century with eyes blazing, nostrils flaring and fangs bared. Laced with corrosive humor so darkly delicious and ghastly that you're sure to squirm in your seat even as you're doubled-over laughing.

If you have seen any theatre in Shreveport, you might recognize a few of the names in the cast.

Beverly Weston - Richard Folmer
Violet Weston - Cynthia Whitaker
Barbara Fordham - Mary Thoma
Bill Fordham - Garrett Kruithof
Jean Fordham - Elizabeth Beagley
Ivy Weston - Anna Maria Sparke
Karen Weston - Kalah Roberts
Mattie Fae Aiken - Heather Peak Hooper
Charlie Aiken - Meade Patton
Little Charles Aiken - Logan Sledge
Johnna Monevata - Rebecca Woodruff
Steve Heidebrecht - Luke Sexton
Sheriff Deon Gilbeau - Jim Cowles

August: Osage County is directed by Nate Wasson, with Set Design by Don Hooper, Lighting Design by Courtney Gaston, Costume Design by Sasha Hildebrand, Wig and Makeup Design by Sondra Nottingham, & Fight Choreography by Andrew Dylan Ray.

August: Osage County will run for six performances, opening on August 12th and closing August 20th. All performances will be held at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse on the Centenary College campus. Dates and performance times are as follows:

Friday, August 12 – 7:00pm
Saturday, August 13 – 7:00pm
Sunday, August 14 – 2:00pm
Thursday, August 18 – 7:00pm
Friday, August 19 – 7:00pm
Saturday, August 20 – 7:00pm

Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased by visiting the Box Office at the address listed above during operating hours, or by calling (318) 869-5242.

The Box Office opened August 1st and will be open Monday through Friday from 12:00pm-4:00pm, as well as an hour before each performance.

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