Aurora University To Stage 'The Real Inspector Hound' Nov. 9-10, 14-17; Production To Benefit Four Charities

AURORA, Ill.—Aurora University’s theatre department will stage “The Real Inspector Hound,” a mysterious satire, at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 9, 10, and 14-17 in Perry Theatre in The Aurora Foundation Center for Community Enrichment, 1305 Kenilworth Place in Aurora.

“The Real Inspector Hound,” a short play by Tom Stoppard, is part of AU’s 2007-2008 Celebrating Arts and Ideas series.

Arts and Ideas Series sponsors are: MetLife and Nicor, Gold sponsors; Harris Aurora and Human Resource Management Systems, LLC, Silver sponsors; City of Aurora and Sikich, Bronze sponsors. Media support is provided by The Beacon News and Comcast.

The story line follows two theatre critics, Moon and Birdboot, who are watching a ridiculous set-up of a country house murder mystery in the style of a “whodunit.” By accident, they become involved in the action causing a series of events that parallel the play they are watching.

Written between 1961 and 1962, “Hound” was initially named “The Stand-ins” and later, “The Critics.” It is a parody of the stereotypical parlor mystery in the style of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” as well as of the critics watching the play, with their personal desires and obsessions interwoven into their bombastic and pompous review.

“Hound,” like Stoppard's earlier play “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead,” examines the ideas of fate and free will as well as exploring the themes of the play-within-a-play.

A pre-show discussion about theater criticism and themes of the play is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 14.

The guest director is Kelly Hilliard Roush of St. Charles. She has worked as a producer, director, writer, actress, and educator in Minnesota, Texas, Maine, Louisiana and the Chicago area with such companies as The Jungle, Park Square, Stage West, and Hidden Theatre.

Favorite roles she has played include Catherine in Proof, Don Juan/Shanghai Lily in Don Juan, Beatrice in Much Ado about Nothing, Gertrude in Hamlet, Masha in The Seagull, Catherine Parr in The VI Wives of Henry the VIII and Katherine Wright in Disturbed by the Wind.

In addition to acting, Roush is an acting teacher and director. She earned her MFA from Louisiana State University.

Admission is free to the public, but a donation is requested to benefit several area charities. They are the food pantry at Holy Angels Church in Aurora; Hesed House homeless shelter, Aurora; Humanitarian Service Project and Season of Concern.”

Denise Blank, producer of the play and assistant professor of theatre, said “The AU Theatre Department’s annual community service fair will take place during the production.

“In lieu of a ticket price, please consider bringing non perishable food items for the food pantry at Holy Angels Church in Aurora; new winter apparel for Hesed House homeless shelter, Aurora; new toys for the Humanitarian Service Project; or a monetary donation for Season of Concern.”

Cast and production members are:

Aurora: Richard Westphal, Birdboot; Raul Buendie, Higgs; Kyshia Sommerville, radio announcer

Chicago: JaCaria Mitchell, Felicity

Des Plaines: Tamara Rodgers, co-stage manager

Homewood: Jeff Schilling, Simon

Montgomery: Travis Winkler, Magnus

St. Charles: Meg Surta, Cynthia; John Curran, scenic and lighting design; Tavia DeFlice, prop design; Lynn Provost, costume design

Shorewood: Genevieve Doreen Pastore, Mrs. Drudge

Streamwood: David Blancas, Inspector Hound

West Chicago: Dennis Edwards, Moon

Yorkville: Bridget O’Malley, co-stage manager

Call (630) 844-5486 for reservations or information.

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