“Moonlight and Magnolias” debuts next Thursday

The McMurry Theatre Department will present Moonlight & Magnolias, November 20 – 22, bringing Hollywood’s golden age to life in a fast-paced behind-the-scenes comedy about the chaotic creation of “Gone with the Wind.” Tickets are available here; the shows begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Ryan Little Theatre.

“Moonlight & Magnolias is a behind-the-scenes look at one of Hollywood’s most famous classics,” Assistant Professor and Technical Theatre Director Zach Frizzel said. “In this absurd yet true story, the film’s executive producer locks the screenwriter and director in his office for a week—feeding them only peanuts and bananas—while he acts out the entire movie for them. I chose this show because I love how it bridges the worlds of theatre and film. It fits right in with the McMurry theatre’s goal to work together with the Arts and English departments to expand our film curriculum in response to growing student interest.”

The production features Wesley Horn, a sophomore, as producer David O’ Selznick. Horn is known for his performance as Seymour in “Little Shop of Horrors” during last year’s Homecoming musical, as well as appearances in McMurry’s Student DirectFest and PlayFest. Joining him is Grant Pike, a junior playing writer Ben Hecht, who has appeared in “Rumors,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and “The Comedy of Errors,” among other shows here at McMurry. Newcomer Serenaty Vargas, a transfer student from Western Texas College, makes her McMurry acting debut as Miss Poppengul after ensemble singing in the homecoming “Legacy in the Limelight” performances earlier this semester.

“I’ve done 14 college productions, and this is my fifteenth,” Vargas said. “I’m so excited to experience my first McMurry show. Moonlight & Magnolias is a compelling play. Miss Poppengul brings some comic relief in a way that’s so relatable, and I’m here for it!”

Ian Chatman, also a junior transfer from Western Texas College, joins the cast as director Ian Fleming. He was a featured dancer in “Legacy in the Limelight” where he wowed audiences with his onstage backflip.

For more updates, follow @mcmtheatre on Instagram. Tickets are available through cur8.com