Little Murders by Jules Feiffer

January 13-February 11, 2012
Gunston Theatre Two (directions)

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Jules Feiffer has offered satirical commentary on American life for over fifty years, through cartoons, screenplays, stage plays and children’s books. Originally gaining prominence as a cartoonist for The Village Voice, Feiffer shines an often sardonic light on the political, sexual and social facets of our culture.

Little Murders focuses on the violence that encircles and engulfs a New York City family. The action centers on daughter Patsy and Alfred, the new man she brings home to introduce to her parents and brother. It’s a world where the sound of gunshots is de rigueur, heavy breathers regularly call, unseen visitors knock at the door… and the Newquists are just trying to have a nice day. Meanwhile, Alfred has chosen not to fight back, something that Patsy is desperate to change. The epidemic of violence in 1960s New York and a citizen’s choice to sink or swim form the basis for the dark comedy at the heart of Little Murders.

The play (and subsequent 1971 film) signaled a change in the portrayal of the contemporary American family. Television had given the world the Cleavers and the Bradys, but Feiffer introduced America to the dysfunctional comedic family. All in the Family and Good Times followed soon on its heels and set the stage for modern comedies like Curb Your Enthusiasm and even Arrested Development.

Ellen Dempsey, longtime TACT Artistic Associate, is directing her seventh show for the company. The ensemble cast includes Robin Covington as Patsy and James Finley in the role of Alfred. Craig Miller plays the role of Carol, Emily Morrison plays his wife, Marjorie, and Evan Crump plays the role of their son, Kenny. Steve Lebens plays the Judge and Lt. Practice, and Bill Gordon is the Reverend Dupas.

Technical Director is Pete Roof, Patrick Lord is the Set Designer, Ed Moser is the Sound Designer and Liz Replogle is the Lighting Designer. Rip Claassen is the Costumer and Kevin Laughon is the Props Designer. GW Glover is the Stage Manager, Austin Byrd is Master Carpenter and Alex Levesque is the Wardrobe Mistress.

Note: This performance includes gunshots, cigarette smoking, and strobe effects.

Running time: approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes (including one intermission)

Calendar of Performances for
Little Murders

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January 2012

February 2012

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