Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Theatre will present a student-directed production of "The Death of Bessie Smith" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, in the Downstage Theater of the Griffith Fine Arts Building.

The one-act play's title refers to the 1920s and 30s jazz singer, and playwright Edward Albee introduces the audience to people who are related--sometimes distantly--to Bessie's fatal car crash.

"Albee masterfully uses eight conversations that lead one from the other, eventually colliding into the climax," said director Brandon Polanco, Buda senior. "I love this script because it incorporates music, pain, social commentary and absurd qualities."

Cast members are freshmen Kristina Bertero of Spring and Katie Cleveland of Mount Vernon, Sugar Land sophomore Blake Weir, juniors Xzavien Hollins of Richmond and Mark McManus of Houston, and British foreign exchange students David Johnson and J.D. Marsh.

Polanco previously served as the assistant director for SFA's productions of "Grease," "The Children's Hour" and "Goodbye Oscar." He has also acted in "Six Degrees of Separation," "The Midlife Crisis of Dionysus," "A Cheever Evening" and "The Open Meeting."

Tickets are $3 each. For tickets or more information, please call (936) 468-6407.

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College of Fine Arts
Stephen F. Austin State University
Box 13022, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962-3022
Phone: 936-468-2801 | Fax: 936-468-1168
Dr. A.C. "Buddy" Himes, Dean
Roni Lias, Webmaster