NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

4/16/2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES - Allison Peck has patiently waited for her opportunity at Northwestern State University and she will get it later this week. Peck plays the maid Lettie in "Something's Afoot," which will be performed by the Northwestern Theatre April 18-21 at 7:30 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium.

The play is under the direction of Wm. Perry Morgan, director of musical theatre and Barry Stoneking, director of dance. Members of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will supply accompaniment.

"Something's Afoot!" is a musical comedy mystery by James McDonald, David Vos and Robert Gerlach with additional music by Ed Linderman. The play is a zany, entertaining show that takes a satirical poke at Agatha Christie mysteries and musical styles of past years. Ten people are stranded in an isolated English country house during a raging thunderstorm. One by one they're picked off by cleverly fiendish devices. As the bodies pile up in the library, the survivors frantically race to uncover the identity and motivation of the cunning culprit.

"I've taken acting, singing and dancing classes, but this is my first big role in a main stage play," said Peck, a junior theatre major from New Orleans specializing in musical theatre. " I have tried out for roles, but I know there is a lot of talent in the department and the other roles may have not been right for me."

Peck said she has had to play a character that is almost a total opposite of what she is like in speech and mannerisms.

"This is a stretch for me. Lettie s the saucy maid who is a little risqué and I'm nothing like that," said Peck. "She is also very different from me because she's loud, opinionated and likes to make fun of others. Lettie has a Cockney accent that was really hard for me to get."

Peck said she has always tried to be involved in as many productions as she could.

"Even when I wasn't in the shows, I have tried to help out with props or backstage. I always wanted to be there supporting my friends who were onstage," she said.

The atmosphere in NSU's theatre program has allowed her to keep pursuing theatre, which is something she loves.

"It has been tough at times, but the department is very supportive and is like a family," said Peck. "We talk with each other, laugh with each other and spend time together."

Peck said the design and costume crew have done an excellent job in constructing an elaborate set and costumes.

"It's almost like the game Clue has come to life," said Peck. "We thought about getting together and playing a game of Clue in character. Some of the deaths are so elaborate and comical. I think the audience will appreciate what has gone into it."

Tickets are $10. NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts are admitted free. For ticket information, call (318) 357-4483.

Main Menu