Director Michael Butterworth described “Dunelawn” as a comedy about couples that are given unusual marriage therapy techniques, such as drinking, smoking and sexual promiscuity.
It was originally written in 1975 by Terrence McNally, and revised in 1990. Butterworth, a first-year Ph.D student, will be bringing the revised version, with a modern-day twist, to life for his directing debut at Wayne State.
According to Butterworth, it was a “lucky accident” that he decided to do this specific play. This semester, all the plays have been about relationships. It has become a running theme.
But “Dunelawn” is not for every audience. It contains some strong language and some provocative scenes. Butterworth recommends the story for a mature audience.
“There won’t be any nudity, but people should think twice before bringing their kids along,” said Butterworth.
Students Ivy Haralson and Jonathan Hoopingarner, both freshman majoring in Theatre Performance, are equally excited to work together in their first play. They will be playing newlywed couple April and Roy Pitt. Both characters hope to make it big in the acting world.
Haralson said this play is different and raunchy and a great stepping-stone for her acting career. She also took a real liking to the character.
“There were two female parts to audition for, and April is the crazy-diva, mellow, dramatic type. I really like that about her,” Haralson said. “The other female character is saner.”
Hoopingarner said that the quality of the play is very good, and this is one of his favorites.
“It’s very exciting to be in this comedy that will teach you a lot,” he said. “So far I have learned that there are a lot of different marriages out there and everyone has their own bad habits.”
Butterworth hopes the audience can see some of themselves in the characters on stage.
“It’s good to laugh at your own problems,” he said.
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