Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - East Texans who only casually know Rhonda Williams, owner of Express Personnel in Nacogdoches and Lufkin, may wonder why she's appearing as the guest artist in Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre's upcoming production of "The Beauty Queen of Leenane." But to those who know her history, it makes perfect sense.

"Rhonda is a real treasure living right here in Nacogdoches," said Clarence Bahs, SFA professor of theatre and the play's director. "She worked for 15 years as a professional actress in New York and Dallas, and, after moving to Nacogdoches almost 20 years ago, she enrolled in our graduate theatre program and received her master's degree."

She appeared in three of SFA's mainstage productions while a student and has returned several times to appear as a guest artist.

Bahs said he was excited to be directing Martin McDonagh's gothically comic play because it is such a great story. "But there's no way we could do it without someone of Rhonda's stature and ability."

Williams plays Mag Folan, a woman of 70 whose sole caregiver is her bitter, 40-year-old spinster daughter, Maureen.

Most of the action takes place in the kitchen, where the two women exchange spicy banters full of "sick, dark humor," said Williams. "But the tension and animosity are cloaked in a wonderful Irish dialect."

When Mag interferes with her daughter's first and possibly final chance of a loving relationship, she sets in motion a train of events that leads inexorably towards the play's terrifying dénoument.

With each rehearsal, I discover more and more about this "manipulative and monstrous old hag," said Williams. "It is a challenge both physically and emotionally to get to the place where I totally own her."

The audience will be drawn into the women's lives and the story that McDonagh has to tell, predicted Bahs. "He is master at dealing with the dark, dark secrets of people's lives."

"If we all do our jobs well, the characters will stay with the audience members a long, long time," said Williams.

"The Beauty Queen of Leenane" is a part of the SFA School of Theatre's Summer Repertory season. It will be presented in W.M. Turner Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 7; Saturday, July 8; Wednesday, July 12; and Thursday, July 13.

Also included in the season is A.R. Gurney's "A Cheever Evening" which will be presented in W.M. Turner Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5; Thursday, July 6; Friday, July 14; and Saturday, July 15.

Due to adult themes, the season is recommended for mature audiences only.

Tickets to each production are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. For tickets or more information, visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.