JBU presents Twain’s ‘Is He Dead?’
Four matinee performances to take place at Berry Performing Arts Center.
John Brown University’s music and theatre department is presenting “Is He Dead?” a new comedy by Mark Twain, as adapted by David Ives.
Performances will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 17, 18, 24 and 25 in the Berry Performing Arts Center.
The comedy follows French artist Jean-Francois Millet in 1846 Paris as he schemes to save his fiancée and her family from financial ruin. Since none of his paintings are selling, Millet fakes his death and returns as his twin sister, convinced that his art will be worth more posthumously. Millet must then find a way to return as himself and marry his fiancée.
“The David Ives adaption brings Twain’s imagination to life in a comical and entertaining play,” Jan Lauderdale, director, said. “I’m excited we have the opportunity to bring such a great hit to the stage of JBU.”
The comedy, written by Twain in 1898 while he recovered from a dark period of his life, remained undiscovered for over 100 years until 2002 when it was found in Twain’s archives. The comedy was adapted for the modern stage by David Ives and premiered on Broadway in 2007.
Each performance will be approximately two hours and contains mild adult language.
Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for senior adults, JBU alumni, faculty or staff, $7 for non-JBU students and $3 for JBU students.
Tickets can be purchased online at jbu. edu/tickets or by calling 479.524.7382.