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September 22, 2009

ULM announces semester’s first VAPA production

The University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) will show its Theatre Works Production of “The Complete History of America (Abridged)” as its first fall semester production.

The show runs from Sept. 24-27 at the ULM Spyker Theater, located just off the sculpture garden. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24-26, and at 2 p.m. Sept. 27.

Admission is free for ULM students, faculty and staff with identification. Tickets are $10 for the general public and may be purchased at the VAPA box office by calling 318-342-1414.

Described by the Boston Herald as “what the ‘Daily Show’ might be like if it were hosted by the Marx Brothers,” the play is a political and cultural satire of America’s beginnings. Using skits featuring raps, dances and humorous dialogue, the play parodies historical figures, politicians, celebrities and pop culture. Assistant Professor Kyle Zimmerman, a member of ULM’s theatre department, directs the play.

“History is written by the winners,” Zimmerman says of the production. “Now it’s our turn.”

Drawing inspiration from (sometimes twisted) American history facts, a self-referential line from the play describes the production as “Post-It notes on the refrigerator of America.” VAPA representatives add that these Post-Its are more like “American history notes taken by the class clown.”

The play stars veteran ULM actors Justin Hawn, Jerry Norman and Milton Cosby. All three actors appeared in last fall’s production of “The Foreigner.” Hawn also previously starred in the spring 2009 production of “Anything Goes.”

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