Play pilgrimages to Basement

Basement Arts never fails to keep theater-goers on their toes with a healthy blend of mainstage productions as well as original works from fresh writers. Recently, the group has encouraged the submission of original works to further add to the diverse atmosphere that makes this a unique forum for a variety of performances and productions.

As the Basement Arts publicity co-chair Jennifer Moore explained, "We have always presented a mix of various talents, but this fall especially we are promoting an open forum for new works."

Once again the group exceeds audience expectations in presenting the premiere of the never-before produced, "Blasphemy Pilgrims."

Michigan graduate student Carrie Sue Kay Sulzer entered her one-act play, which she wrote while still an undergraduate at the University of Kansoas, five years ago in a contest. Her endeavor subsequently earned her the Grant K. Goodman Playwriting Award, which included the opportunity to give a staged reading of her work. Not one to rest on previous laurels, Sulzer answered Basement Arts' advertisement for the recruitment of new works to be incorporated into its fall schedule. As a graduate student in the linguistics program, she and the rest of the campus have the opportunity to view her creation in full with costumes and lights.

"Blasphemy Pilgrims" has left behind its simpler days of a staged reading in favor of a full-fledged performance. Directed by Elizabeth Krinitt, a Music senior, and topped off with the inclusion of three talented actors from the Department of Theater and Drama, this show is clearly all about students. Gracing the stage this week will be theatre performance majors Kimberly Woodman and Jeff Steger, both seasoned veterans in the field of mainstage productions and other Basement Arts programs. New to the scene is sophomore Brendan McMahon, who brings past credentials as an esteemed actor from Eastern Michigan to Michigan. His talents have landed him in a recent Ann Arbor News list as best actor in a drama.

This trio of talent unites to embark on a search of love and truth, possibly the most coveted knowledge that man has sought to discover and define since the beginning of time. We follow them as they grapple with these foundations of life through the duration of one night and the following morning in a café in Vienna. During this brief interval, two Americans attempt to transcend the boundaries of society in this timeless search.

Such a crusade for these worthy ideals would not be complete without a healthy dose of many Americans' favorite pastimes that make the brief moment here on Earth all the more enjoyable. Prepare yourself for a little smoking, drinking, gambling, fighting, profanity, seduction and a snowman.

"Blasphemy Pilgrims" will be presented in the Arena Theater, which is located on the ground floor of the Frieze Building. Admission is free, but plan to arrive early as seating is limited. Two performances will be offered Friday at 7 and 11 p.m. ¶@( 4.1.0 The Saturday show will begin at 7 p.m. Call 764-6800 for more information.

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