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"Fuddy Meers" Production March 1 - 4


PLATTSBURGH, NY __Ready for a good laugh? The Theatre Department at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh presents the production of "Fuddy Meers," a play by David Lindsay-Abaire, March 1 - 4, by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.

The main stage production, under the direction of Dr. Timothy Palkovic, professor of theatre, will be performed Thursday - Saturday, March 1 - 3, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 4, at 2 p.m. in the Hartman Theatre, Myers Fine Arts Building.

Come and experience a day in the life of Claire, as seen through the kaleidoscope of her madcap world. Stricken with amnesia, the main character of "Fuddy Meers" begins each day with a blank slate upon which her family imprints the facts of her life. Each line of dialogue reveals a new discovery and, through a bizarre cast of unpredictable characters, we quickly find that appearances can be deceiving and nothing is as it seems.

"Fuddy Meers" has been compared to a roller coaster ride with one hilarious yet harrowing turn after another: barking dogs, a woman's ring, frying bacon and a foul mouthed puppet are among the many surprises. Yet this poignant comedy will zigzag its way to your heart leaving you with more questions than answers...or maybe not.

Dr. William Pfaff In addition to a strong cast of actors, and a couple of hobo clowns, there has been much collaboration involved in putting together this theatrical production. Palkovic invited composer, Dr. Bill Pfaff, assistant professor of music, to write original incidental music for the play.

"It became clear to me after reading 'Fuddy Meers,' that the score had to be composed on my laptop," said Pfaff. "The music is made up of original compositions interwoven with circus songs and other unique sounds. I have been having a lot of fun creating the music, inserting a surprise here and there, and then listening to it come to life inside the theatre."

Another interesting collaboration has been with the costumes. Theatrical costume designer Tyler Nye, a sophomore theatre student from Keene Valley, was invited by SUNY Plattsburgh Costumer E. Marie Barber to collaborate with her on creating the costumes for Fuddy Meers.

"Right away I had ideas in my head about what I thought the show would look like," said Nye, who became familiar with the play last year. "I particularly enjoyed creating the sketches for the costumes, which is part of an evolving process between designer, costumer and director. It's not about getting it on the first try."

For example, Nye recently decided to incorporate muted carnival colors to suit the quirky personalities of the characters.

"Although the play is set in the present day, I wanted to create subtle instances in the costuming where the audience might do a double take and think, 'That's odd'. It's not really meant to all add up. The whole thing is a bit off kilter," Nye said.

He also explained that set designs, staging and character development can all influence what is created in the costume shop. This led to another collaboration between actor and costume designer.

Tyler Nye "It is my hope that the costumes will help inform the actors about their characters," said Nye. "Just as they have helped me to find ways to incorporate the eccentricities of their characters into the costumes they will be wearing."

The cast and production team of "Fuddy Meers" are wearing specially designed red t-shirts, serving as walking advertisements for the play.

Tickets, which are available at the Angell College Center Information Desk or at the door, are $10 for General Admission, $8 for faculty, staff, seniors and non-SUNY Plattsburgh students and $2 for SUNY Plattsburgh Students.

Note: High School teachers in the area are invited to bring their classes to SUNY Plattsburgh on Feb. 28 for a special matinee performance. Contact the Department of Theatre at 518-564-2180 for reservations and special pricing.

Disclaimer: Contains adult language and content not intended for children.

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