FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (2/04)
Contact: Robert Buseick, Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, 318-869-5075, or Lynn Stewart, Centenary News Service, 318-869-5120

Centenary Theatre to Present Benefit Performance of The Beauty Queen of Leenane on Feb. 20

SHREVEPORT, LA — The Theatre Department at Centenary College will present a benefit performance of their award winning production The Beauty Queen of Leenane on Friday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse. Tickets are $15 adults, $13 senior citizens and $10 students. Reservations can be made by calling 869-5242 between noon and 4 p.m. daily.

The Beauty Queen of Leenane was selected by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival to participate and compete at the Region VI KCACTF festival in Fayetteville, Ark., on Feb. 26 at the Walton Arts Center. The production will be adjudicated and be placed in competition for consideration for a slot at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in April.

The production was selected after being presented at the Louisiana College Theatre Festival in October. The following awards were presented to the company:

• Best Production
• Best Direction to Robert Buseick
• Best Set Design to Don Hooper
• Best Light Design to Don Hooper
• Best Sound Design to Patric McWilliams
• Best Costume Design to Patric McWilliams
• Best Vocal Coaching to Jodi Glorioso
• Best Stage Management to Ashley Beckham
• Irene Ryan Acting Awards to Anysia Manthos, Joshua Porter and Phillip Brooks

Set in the mountains of Connemara, County Galway, The Beauty Queen of Leenane tells the darkly comic story of Maureen Folan, a plain and lonely woman, and Mag, her manipulative and self-centered mother. Maureen has encountered her first, and possibly final, chance at a loving relationship. HOwever, her mother's interference sets off a train of events which lead to tragic consequences and the eventual freedom of Maureen from her life of oppression.

The Beauty Queen of Leenane is the winner of four Tony Awards and The Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Play.

For additional information,contact Robert Buseick at 318-869-5075

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