by Krista Pino
Daily Lobo
A 16-year-old surfer girl with a split personality who may in fact be a serial killer sets the scene for the very physical comedy and a perfect date play, "Psycho Beach Party."
And it just gets stranger from there.
"There's plenty of love to go around in this play," said Craig Anderson, the play's director.
The show is along the lines of "The Naked Gun," "Airplane" or "There's Something About Mary." Anderson expects the audience to leave feeling good about an hour and a half at the theater.
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"You're going to leave this place with a smile on your face and happy that you came out here," Anderson said. "That's where I get my greatest satisfaction."
In this play, written by Charles Busch in 1987, there are 11 characters and no lead parts. Anderson said it's an ensemble show. However, the character of Chicklet Forrest, suffering from a split personality, creates interesting situations including a potential love triangle.
"We've got pyro. We've got a backdrop. We've got special effects," Anderson said. "We've got an eight-foot Tiki God."
Anderson said the show was a bit of a challenge because it is different from shows usually done in Theatre X. He said this show is really fun, and for people who are used to coming to this space and seeing weird, dramatic plays, it is a change of pace.
Directing "Psycho Beach Party" is Anderson's thesis for his master's degree.
After graduation, Anderson would like to teach acting at the university level. He presently helps out in all the acting classes and is enthusiastic about directing this production.
Anderson has been directing for four years. He received his bachelor's in media arts at UNM. He has directed eight productions, including two independent films.
"Film is nice, but I prefer the live stage," Anderson said. "You get instant audience reaction, and you don't have to wait."
The show has two dance sequences choreographed by Brandy Springs who is currently a master's student in the Dance Department. The lighting designer, Jillian Walcher, is an undergraduate in the lighting design program for the Theatre Department.
"This show is for people who on a Friday night want to go to a movie," Anderson said. "They might prefer this. It's the kind of show for pure entertainment."
What: Psycho Beach Party
When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
March 24, 25, 26
7:30 p.m.
Where: Theatre X
How
much: $5 students
$7 general admission
Tickets
& Info: 925-5858
