School of Theatre and Dance to present new play by UF alumnus

January 17, 2007

GAINESVILLE, FL — The University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance kicks off 2007 with the premiere of “American Western,” a play written by UF alumnus Neal Utterback, opening Feb.2 at the Constans Theatre in the Nadine McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion.

Directed by Kevin Marshall, “American Western” is a highly personal drama that questions the morality of hurting innocent people in an attempt to do what is “right.” Playwright Utterback uses themes of guilt, betrayal and love to drive his vivid characters on their search for truth. In the play, Lt. Daniel Boone of the U.S. Army travels to Indiana to bury one of his soldiers, Sgt. Patrick Flynn. During Boone’s stay, family secrets are revealed and the harsh truth is unraveled in an unexpected series of events.

“American Western” features David Shelton’s final performance at UF after more than 30 years in the School of Theatre and Dance. The play also features Hippodrome veteran Sara Morsey and actors from UF’s Master of Fine Arts actor training program.

The play runs through Feb. 11, with weekday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There will be no performance on Monday, Feb. 5. Tickets are available through the University Box Office at the Reitz Student Union Colonnade. For more information, call (352) 392-1653 or visit the University Box Office Web site at www.union.ufl.edu/ubo.