Rice University Theatre, Rice Players to present ‘Dogfight’ Feb. 23-25, March 1-3

Rice University Theatre and the Rice Players will present the award-winning musical “Dogfight” by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and based on the book by Peter Duchan. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Feb. 23-24 and March 1-3, with a 3 p.m. matinee show Feb. 25. All performances will be at Hamman Hall.

Left to right: Rice students Johnathan Berry, Will Grimme and Alan Kim are appearing in a production of ‘Dogfight.’ Photo by Ian Mellor-Crummey/Rice University

It’s the evening of Nov. 21, 1963, when three young Marines set out for one final boys’ night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble ahead of their upcoming deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia. But when Cpl. Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress whom he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion.

The production will be directed by Jack Young, artistic director of Houston Shakespeare Festival and head of the MFA Professional Actor Training Program at the University of Houston. Young’s recent directing credits include “Twelfth Night,” “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Julius Caesar.” Musical direction will be provided by Jack Beetle. Beetle has been the musical director for many companies, including TUTS, the Alley Theatre, the Houston Ballet and Stages Repertory Co.

Senior visual and dramatic arts (VADA) student Kathlyn Anthony, most recently the assistant designer for “Rumors,” will oversee set design. Costumes will be co-designed by senior VADA  students Marley Foster (who previously worked on the plays “Proof” and “Rumors”) and Laura Graveline.

Rice will be offering free admission for active and retired military. Tickets are $5 for Rice students; $8 for Rice alumni, faculty, staff and senior citizens; $10 for general admission; and $5 per person for groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available in advance at 713-348-4005.

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