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Grace Trull as Beatrice and WIU MFA grad Glen Wall as Benedick in The National Players production of "Much Ado About Nothing," directed by Clay Hopper. Photo by Madeleine Russell.
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WIU MFA grad Drew Hampton as Claudio and Ann Marie Gideon as Hero in The National Players production of "Much Ado About Nothing," directed by Clay Hopper. Photo by Madeleine Russell.
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National Players at WIU Nov. 5; Alumni in Much Ado About Nothing"

November 2, 2009

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MACOMB, IL - - The National Players, America's longest running classical theatre touring company, is making a special stop at Western Illinois University Thursday, Nov. 5 to present "Much Ado About Nothing." The 7:30 p.m. show will be in the Horrabin Hall Theatre.

Two of Western's Spring 2009 Master of Fine Arts in acting graduates are touring with the National Players: Glen Wall (Anchorage, AK), who plays Benedick, and Drew Hampton (Arlington, TX), who plays Claudio.

National Players, celebrating its 61st anniversary season tour, takes innovative and accessible productions to audiences across the U.S. The company "introduces audiences to great works of dramatic literature that are rich in exciting stories and characters, and profound in language and themes," according to its web site at http://nationalplayers.tripod.com. "Their productions touch hearts and minds, inspire imagination and wonder, spark curiosity about the self, the world and the creative process and celebrate what it means to be human."

The company has performed in the White House East Wing; in Europe, Asia and the Middle East for American military; and throughout 40 states, bringing literature to life to more than 2.5 million audience members. The National Players home is the Olney Theatre Center in Olney, MD.

There is no admission charge for the Nov. 5 performance at WIU; however, donations will be welcomed at the door toward the Lori Diane Haney Memorial Fund to support student travel to the American College Theatre Festival.

Seating in Horrabin Hall Theatre is very limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact Western's theatre and dance department, (309) 298-1543.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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