University Theatre will present the Central Valley premiere of “The Wolves” by Sarah DeLappe.
The production is directed by Kathleen McKinley and runs from Sept. 28 through Oct. 6 in the Dennis & Cheryl Woods Theatre in the Speech Arts Building.
A girls’ indoor soccer team. Astroturf. Gameday rituals. Warmups. Nine high school juniors navigate questions, large and small, as they gear up to win on the field and in life.
Honored by The New York Times as one of the most important new plays of the last 25 years, “The Wolves” portrays the “scary and exhilarating brightness of raw adolescence” and the dynamics of power, love and humor within a team of young female athletes determined to be champions.
“The Wolves” was a finalist for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama; the original New York production won anObieEnsemble Award and a special Drama Desk Award for its acting ensemble, as well as being nominated for LucilleLorteland Drama League awards for best play and the Outer Critics’ Circle JohnGassnerAward for Outstanding New American Play.
The critics agreed.
“A thrilling debut play. First-rate ensemble acting and theater that keeps you on the edge of your seat,” wrote Ben Brantley inThe New York Times.
Jesse Green, then writing forNew York Magazine, called it “an astonishing new play. Extraordinary.”
And Frank Rizzo from Varietymagazine, said “the ensemble work is astonishing — acting teamwork of the highest order.”
The local cast includes Sara Marie Adam,Ruby Arreguin,Karina C. Balfour,Alyssa Benitez,Hannah Berry,Teya Juarez, Cassidy LeClair,Nwachukwu Q. Oputa,Madeline Rydberg and Summer Savonna Session.
Sept. 28-29 and Oct. 2-6 performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 30 the performance begins at 2 p.m. No late seating, no exceptions.
“The Wolves” contains adult language.
Tickets are $17 for adults; $15 for Fresno State faculty, staff, alumni and military; and $10 for all students. Children under 5 not admitted. Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more andbox office hours are noon to 4 p.m. on weekdays and one hour before each performance.
Parking is free for shows on Friday through Sunday night. For shows on Tuesday through Thursday night, parking permits are required and can be purchased at dispensers inparking lotson campus.
For more information, contact the box office at 559-278-2216 or [email protected].
Miguel Gastelum is the Communications Specialist for the Theatre Arts Department on campus.