3:45 p.m., Jan. 27, 2003-- The Professional Theatre Training Program at the University of Delaware will present “All the King’s Men,” in several two-evening performances throughout late January and early February. Adapted and directed by Adrian Hall from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Robert Penn Warren, the production contains adult situations, strong language and some nudity and is not recommended for those under 18 years of age.

Cast members of "All the King's Men" include (left to right): Ceeco Scheeren as Sugar Boy, Dan Kenney as Willie "the Kingfish" Stark, Joshua Browns as Tiny and Steve Smith as Jack. All are UD graduate students enrolled in the Professional Theatre Training Program.

Hall, one of the most influential directors in American theatre for the past 30 years, has been called visionary, innovative, shocking, trailblazing, disturbing and controversial. He also is known for his highly inventive and imaginative staging techniques.

His original and compelling adaptation of Robert Penn Warren’s great American novel of political intrigue and lost idealism is set in the 1930’s. “All the King’s Men” traces the rise and fall of demagogue Willie Stark from an idealistic man of the people to a corrupt politician lusting for power, as seen through the eyes of a young writer, Jack Burden.

Theatre patrons can see each part on different nights or in a single Saturday afternoon and evening production.

Performances are held in the theatre of Hartshorn Hall. Two-night productions are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, and Friday, Jan. 31, and Thursday, Feb. 6, and Friday, Feb. 7.

The two parts can also be seen at 12:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, and Saturday, Feb. 8, and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9.

Cost for both part one and part two is $26 for the general public, $22 for UD faculty, staff and senior citizens and $12 for students. Single tickets also are available. For more information, call the Hartshorn box office at 831-2204.

Article by Beth Thomas

Photo by Kathy Flickinger