Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - A common practice in the world of theatre is to cast understudies--a sort of plan B--in case one of the actors becomes ill or other unforeseen circumstances prevent an actor from assuming his role for any given performance.

More often than not, the understudies learn their lines, memorize the blocking and even rehearse their scenes but never perform before an audience.

Fortunately for Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre's production of "The Night of the Iguana," no debilitating illnesses nor disasters have struck the cast. However, director Allen Oster, SFA professor of theatre, said the understudies have prepared so well that he wants to give them an opportunity to perform.

The drama, which opened Tuesday, Feb. 21, in W.M. Turner Auditorium, is running through Saturday, Feb. 25. On Friday, Feb. 24, Dripping Springs sophomore Cassidy Risien will portray Maxine Faulk, the lusty hotel owner. On Saturday, San Antonio senior Chris Kennedy will portray Rev. T. Lawrence Shannon, the defrocked Episcopalian priest around which most of the plot revolves.

"Cassidy and Chris have done a superb job with their preparations, as has the rest of the cast," said Oster. "The practice of utilizing the understudies is becoming more accepted, even on Broadway, so what we're doing with this production is in essence preparing the entire ensemble for a potential real-world experience."

The drama is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts, School of Theatre and University Series. It is sponsored in part by Tipton Ford-Lincoln-Mercury of Nacogdoches. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. each evening.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. The drama is recommended for mature audiences. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.