SU Drama to expose seedy side of journalism

SU Drama to expose seedy side of journalismFebruary 11, 2005Monica Alfonsomjalfons@syr.edu

The Syracuse University Drama Department will present its third production of the 2004-05 season, “The Front Page,” Feb. 18-27 in the Storch Theater. Written by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, the biting comedy skewers the ethics, or lack thereof, of the hungry newshounds of tabloid journalism. The production is directed by Rodney Hudson.

Written in 1928, “The Front Page” serves not only as a satire of the newspaper business, but also as homage to the wily journalists who will do almost anything to break a big story. The play was a smash hit when it premiered on Broadway in 1928 at the Times Square Theatre and has had many Broadway revivals. The subject of controversy in its day, the play was innovative in its use of the vernacular and profane language to create a sense of realism and foreshadowed this trend in modern theater.

A talented cast of SU students brings the colorful characters to life. In the role of fast-talking senior editor Walter Burns is senior Jason Frydman and playing lead reporter Hildy “Hildegard” Johnson is senior Jessie Mueller. Junior Jason Shelton is Jim Murphy, the hardest-boiled journalist of the bunch, while junior David Watson plays the jaded, poker-loving Endicott. Junior Jonathan Ledoux plays Jack Wilson, while sophomore Matthew Britten is reporter Schwartz. Other cast members include seniors Blake Whyte, Sistina Giordano, Michael Kevin Girts, Simone Lindenfeld, Andy Grosso, Nick Fondulis, Ben Roberts and Jeremy Pasha; juniors Max Osinski, Jenna Lee Barber Devin Horne and Paul Rescigno; and sophomores Terrence Mosley, Jessica Diaz, Parker Drown and Jonathan Krieger.

In charge of scenic design is Rebecca Lord; senior Laura Hazzard serves as the production’s costume designer; lighting designer is by senior Cory Pattak; Lauren Shaw, a junior, is sound designer; and junior Jamie Rog serves as the production’s stage manager.

Tickets for are $15 for adults and $13 for students and senior citizens. “Pay what you can night” is for valid SU I.D. holders. For tickets and more information, contact the Drama Department Box Office at 443-3275 or visit http://vpa.syr.edu/drama.