“Book of Days” continues through Oct. 4

Last updated October 1, 2014

By Tina Underwood

Lanford Wilson image © Luke Ratray photography 2009

Furman University Theatre will present Lanford Wilson’s “Book of Days” Sept. 24-27 and Oct. 1-4 at 8 p.m., with a matinee performance Sunday, Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. in the Theatre Playhouse on campus.

The play is open to the public. Tickets are $16 for adults, $13 for seniors and $8 for students. Season tickets are available for the four plays to be staged by the Furman Theatre Department. “Book of Days” is intended for mature audiences. It is a Furman Cultural Life Program event.

“Book of Days” is an “Our Town” for the 21st century. In a small Missouri town where the local community theatre is staging “St. Joan,” the lead actress becomes convinced that the accidental death of the town’s leading citizen was actually a murder. As the play unfolds, the true nature of the townspeople is revealed. “Book of Days” inspires food for thought about personal honesty, religion, a sustainable food industry, and the connection between theatre and life.

Variety reviews Wilson’s “Book of Days”:

A significant addition to Pulitzer Prize winner Lanford Wilson’s canon . . . his best work since Fifth of July . . . Book of Days manages to combine Wilson’s signature character-based whimsy with an atypically strong narrative book and politically charged underpinnings.

-Chris Jones, Variety

Furman Theatre Professor and Department Chair Jay Oney directs the play. Stage Manager is Caitlin Cain. Rhett Bryson designs sets and lights, and Scott Simon designs sound. Will Lowry designs costumes and makeup.

Student cast members for “Book of Days” include:

Ruth Hoch: Jess Pinaire
Len Hoch: Thomas Stubbs
Boyd Middleton: Connor Courtney
Ginger Reed: Sarah Cushman
Martha Hoch: Kailie Melchior
Walt Bates: Sal Donzella
Sharon Bates: Hollins Worsley
James Bates: Drake Shadwell
Lou Ann Bates: Erin Barnett
Earl Hill: Chris Sessoms
Reverend Bobby Groves: Dakota Adams
Sheriff Conroy Atkins: Clark Spillane