Summer season includes professor's final SFA scenic designs

The cast of "Picnic" rehearses a scene in front of one of the last two sets SFA Associate Professor Tomy Matthys has designed for the university. Matthys will retire this summer after 44 years and over 400 theatrical productions at SFA. Patrons attending Friday and Saturday's productions of "Picnic" in W.M. Turner Auditorium can view over 20 of his scenic design models that will be on display in the lobby. Friday's performance is at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday's is at 2 p.m.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Patrons who attend Friday and Saturday's productions of William Inge's "Picnic" by the SFA School of Theatre will have access to a unique display in the lobby of the Griffith Fine Arts Building.

In recognition of SFA Associate Professor Tomy Matthys' upcoming retirement and in celebration of his 44 years of design work for the SFA School of Theatre, over 20 of Matthys' scenic design models will be exhibited.

The scenic designs for two of the plays included in the 2009 Summer Repertory season, "Picnic" and "Schoolhouse Rock Live! Too," are Matthys' final creations for SFA. The set of "Picnic" depicts two clapboard houses in a small Kansas town, and the cozy diner in which "Schoolhouse Rock Live! Too" is set features a serving counter and multiple levels that are utilized during the musical.

"Picnic" will be presented in W.M. Turner Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Other performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8; Tuesday, July 14; and Friday, July 17. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for seniors, students and youth. Parental guidance is suggested.

"Schoolhouse Rock Live! Too," a children's musical based on the popular 1970s cartoon series, will be presented at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, and Saturday, July 11, and at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, and Saturday, July 18. All seats are $6.

A third show included in the Summer Repertory season is Athol Fugard's award-winning "'Master Harold' . . . and the boys." Guest scenic designer for this show is Richard Ellis. The play, which is recommended for mature audiences, will be presented in the Downstage Theatre of the Griffith Fine Arts Building at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7; Friday, July 10; and Thursday, July 16. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for seniors and students.

For tickets or more information on any of the plays, please visit www.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.