Directed by Robert C. Whitlatch, Seeley Distinguished Service Professor of Theatre, The Marriage of Bette and Boo is a post-WWII dark comedy spanning 30 years of a couple's life together. "The play shows two dysfunctional families that make you laugh, and then wonder if you should be laughing, because of the anger in their lives," says Whitlatch. "But, for me, the play is much richer than a single emotional dimension for it moves beyond anger to a resolution of love, compassion, and understanding."
"A black-and-white set, with mood conveyed only through lighting and costume, conveys the unnatural feeling of the characters' lives," Whitlatch explains. "The set is designed to appear obviously off-center and asymmetrical, to represent the off-balance, irrational nature of the two families."
The cast includes Katy Biver as Bette, Daniel Wenk as Boo, Jason Powell as Karl, Rachel Horner as Margaret, and Ralph Sledge as Father Donnally and the Doctor.
Whitlatch, Seeley Distinguished Service Professor of Theatre, has taught acting, directing, and theatre literature, and has directed numerous productions at Knox. Costumes were designed by Margo Shively, supervisor of the Knox College Theatre Costume Shop. The set and lights were designed by Craig Choma, assistant professor of theatre at Knox.
CAST
Character_________Name_____________Hometown
Bette Brennan Katherine Biver Swansea, IL
Margaret Brennan Rachel Horner Shannon, IL
(Bette's mother)
Paul Brennan Ryan England Rock Island, IL
(Bette's father)
Emily Brennan Julia Marsh Chicago, IL
(Bette's sister)
Joan Brennan Tristina Gelinas Villa Ridge, MO
(Bette's sister)
Boo Hudlocke Daniel Wenk Northbrook, IL
Karl Hudlocke Jason Powell West Alis, WI
(Boo's father)
Soot Hudlocke Catherine Rich Orland Park, IL
(Boo's mother)
Matt Thomas Rohn Chicago Heights, IL
Father Donnally Ralph Sledge Tulsa, OK
PRODUCTION
Position____________Name_________________________Hometown
Director Prof. Robert C. Whitlatch
Stage Manager Sarah Zimmerman Point Reyes, CA
Properties Ryan England Rock Island, IL
Set/Lighting Design Asst. Prof. Craig Choma
Costume Design Costume Supervisor Margo Shively
Makeup Design Margo Shively
Tina DeGrazia Park Ridge, IL
Sound Design Jon Haverkamp Chicago, IL
House Manager Jennifer Prior Santa Clara, CA
Asst House Manager Dina Abbas Karachi, Pakistan
-end-