Purdue Calumet Theatre Co. presenting 2 one-act comedies 11/21-22

The old funny bones figure to get a workout when the Purdue Calumet Theatre Company presents two one-act comedies this weekend, including one written by a Purdue Calumet professor.

“Graceland” and “Cat Hoarders Anonymous,” the latter written by Purdue Calumet Professor of Communication Theresa Carilli, will be presented Nov. 21-22 in the university’s YJean Chambers Hall.

Curtain time is at 8 p.m. for both performances. The plays mark the return to stage for the university’s Theatre Company after a two-year hiatus.

In Ellen Byron’s “Graceland,” two women are determined to become the first individuals to set foot in Elvis Presley’s former home after it is converted into a museum, according to Theatre Company Director Corya Channing.

“There’s a lot of conflict, and it’s a funny play, to boot,” she said. “’Cat Hoarders Anonymous’ is all about people who have too many cats. It takes place at a meeting of a 12-step program for people who just can’t stop. . . Well, you can take it from there.”

Carilli said “Graceland” helped inspire her to write “Cat Hoarders…”

In writing her play, Carilli said she combined impressions from her background as a cat rescue organization volunteer with the competitive urge to be first.

“Competition drives many of us to act ridiculous at times,” she said. “I have met individuals who are very committed to cat rescue, and at times, that commitment seems overly zealous, almost fanatical. That being said, my play is an attempt to honor and satirize those individuals who are dedicated to rescuing animals—particularly from hoarders who collect more cats than they can care for—and to indirectly raise awareness that some valiant individuals are out there cleaning up after irresponsible pet owners.”

Tickets for all performances are $10. Purdue Calumet students will be admitted free with their student ID. Reservations in the 75-seat YJean Chambers Hall, located on the third floor of the Student Union & Library, can be made by phoning 219/989-2267, 989-2357 or 989-2393, or e-mailing channing@calumet.purdue.edu.

The plays are the first to be presented in the intimate performance and instructional facility, named after the late Purdue Calumet communication professor and Gary community leader.

News Release Date: November 5, 2008