"Mr. Marmalade" brings dark, twisted comedy to SHSU theatre

Summer Repertory II starts out its plays with a dark comedy of a girl and her imaginary friend, today and Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the University Theatre Centre free of charge.

"Mr. Marmalade", written by Noah Haidle tells the story of four-year-old Lucy and her imaginary friends. The play focuses on her imaginary friend, Mr. Marmalade, who has many problems.

“Lucy has very grown up relationships with her imaginary friends and there are several very dark twists to the play,” Katie Stefaniak, theatre manager, said.

Mr. Marmalade is an independent classroom project directed by Sam Houston State University faculty member Tom prior.

Keeping true to the repertory bare bones approach the set only contains five blocks that are moved around to represent separate pieces. The show also has many prop pieces and all actors remain on stage at all times.

The technical process, mapping out the lighting and sound effects, takes place in a 24 hour period which also shows their focus on acting.

The summer repertory plays contain more cussing and innuendos than the plays put on during the normal school year.

“Summer shows definitely push the boundaries,” Stefaniak said. “We have a little more freedom when picking scripts for summer school.”

Five students and two faculty members make up the shows cast.

“Ultimately our goal is to invite the audience to push their imagination to the limits and see the play through the eyes of a child,” Stefaniak said.