TheatreOCU is getting ready to open its first mainstage production of the semester, a dark comedy/musical and study on pop culture, Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play.
Mr. Burns is a play written by Anne Washburn that takes place within three acts in a post-apocalyptic America. It is a co-production with Oklahoma City Reparatory Theater.
In the first act, a group of survivors get together and recount old episodes of The Simpsons. Seven years later, in the second act, the group has become an acting troupe and they re-enact episodes of the show complete with commercials scored by pop music mash-ups. This all builds to a climatic, operatic third act which is a fully-scored musical starring characters from The Simpsons.
“I have always loved The Simpsons because I have grown up with them,” said Kevin Taylor, music theater senior. “This play is so interesting because it gives what you think you know a total new view. It challenges the idea of what we deem as relevant in pop culture and if it will still have the depth of importance for generations to come.”
The show is being presented at the Civic Center Music Hall’s CitySpace Theater, 201 N. Walker Ave.
Brian Parson’s, dean of the school of theater, is directing the show, cast with 13 students as well as actors from the community.
The show has 10 performances from Feb. 23 to March 5, Thursdays through Sundays. Tickets cost $35. For times or to buy tickets, visit the City Rep’s website.
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