CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF Runs 2/6-15 at Kelsey Theatre

Lies, love unrequited, and poisonous greed combine for a night of high intensity drama in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," coming to Mercer County Community College's (MCCC) Kelsey Theatre. Theatre to Go and Pierrot Productions present this Tennessee Williams classic on Fridays, Feb. 6 and 13 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Feb. 7 and 14 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, Feb. 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is conveniently located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Feb. 6.

The web of deceit holding a wealthy Southern family together is about to come apart. The clan's Big Daddy is unwell and his family has gathered in support. Over the course of one sultry Mississippi evening, family members let loose about long-simmering jealousies, suspicions of greed, unspoken sexual desires, and some profound and damning lies. Big Daddy and Big Momma, sons Brick and Gooper, and their wives, Maggie and Mae, are in for a very long night. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Williams' self-proclaimed favorite, forces the audience and the characters alike to determine what is true, what is a lie, and which lies have become truths.

The cast includes Robert Lanchester as Big Daddy, who is featured by special arrangement with Actors' Equity Association. Mariel Rosati of Ivyland, Pa., is Maggie; Ray Fallon of Westmont is Brick; Lori Fabian of Hightstown is Big Mama; Tim Anderson of Princeton is Gooper; and Jackie Wasneski of Hightstown is Mae. Also featured are William Walters of Columbus as Rev. Tooker, Kevin Hallam of Hamilton as Dr. Baugh, and Mariah King of Jersey City as Sookey. Joining the cast in the roles of the children are Maya Gunaseelan of Plainsboro, William Alena of Princeton, Ruth Learn of New Brunswick, Michaela Meyer of Plainsboro, and Makenna Katz of West Windsor.

The show is directed by Ruth Markoe, who established Theater To Go (T2G) in 1992 and has acted and directed regularly for T2G and Pierrot Productions ever since. Pierrot Productions' Pete Labriola is the show's producer. Other crew members include Hannah Knight (stage manager), Jon Cintron (assistant stage manager), Jim Petro (set design), Kitty Getlik (lighting design), Amy Bessellieu (props) and Ruth Rittmann/Ritzzy Productions (costumes).

Markoe notes that the excitement among cast members is building. "Rehearsals are in full swing and we are excited about what we believe will be an amazing production of this classic play," she said.

Tickets for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students and children. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey webpage or call the box office for a brochure.

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