NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Playwright James McLure's "Laundry and Bourbon" will open the fall semester of Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre's student-directed plays.

Directed by Longview junior Tanner O'Neal, "Laundry and Bourbon" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, in the Downstage Theatre on the SFA campus.

The play follows Elizabeth Caulder one hot West Texas afternoon as she waits for the return of her husband, Roy, who has been missing for two days. Joining her is her best friend, Hattie, and the not-so-pleasant Amy Lee.

"Together, the three women drink bourbon and Coke and gossip," O'Neal said, "and each travels a path of self-discovery and acceptance."

The cast includes Baytown junior Chelsea Denard as Elizabeth; Plano junior Cecily Maucieri as Hattie; and Austin sophomore Rachel Bollinger as Amy Lee.

The production staff includes Katy Morton, Marshall senior, stage manager; Bobby Malbrough, Houston senior, scenic designer; Cloey Hammonds, Nacogdoches junior, costume designer; Danika Pettyjohn, Fort Worth junior, lighting designer; and Troy Carrico, Austin senior, sound designer.

Faculty production advisor is Melissa McMillian-Cunningham.

O'Neal is a theatre major with an emphasis on directing. "Laundry and Bourbon" is his second directing credit. He will serve as assistant director for the School of Theatre's production of "Macbeth" later this fall and for the Festival of New American Plays in the spring.

The Downstage Theatre is located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive.

Tickets are $4. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit theatre.sfasu.edu.