WCU Theatre presents "The Emperor's New Clothes"
William Carey University Theatre will present the Hans Christian Andersen children’s classic The Emperor’s New Clothes, Dec. 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 2:30 p.m. in the Joe and Virginia Tatum Theatre on the Hattiesburg campus.
Adapted by Max Bush, the play includes aspects of Andersen’s life: his passion for acting, his love of theatre, his cleverness, and his mother’s support for her son’s dreams. It tells the story of an emperor whose vanity is shown in his clothing. Two of the emperor’s subjects, a mother and son, trick the emperor into thinking that they have made him the most beautiful suit of clothes, which anyone who is “hopelessly stupid” cannot see. Also, they say that anyone who is not “fit for his office” will be unable to see the clothes. Which of the townspeople will have the courage to tell the emperor the truth?
The cast includes The Emperor (Branden Lindsay); The Captain (Nathan Wilkins); Louise (Clare Kelly); and Nicolas (Taylor Abbott).
Obra Quave, professor emeritus at Carey, is the director. Keone Fuqua, chair of the theatre department, and Dewey Douglas, technical director, are mentors for the student designers. Scenic designer is Nadia Trinanes. Lighting designer is Chace Giadrosich. Shelby Sheffield is stage manager. Fuqua is sound designer, and Douglas is properties manager. Abbie Kiker, WCU adjunct faculty member, is the costume designer. Costume assistant is Molly Jarvis.
Tickets are $5 each. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. beginning Dec. 11. Reservations can be made by calling (601) 318-6221.