Eric Argyle is having a bad Sunday. It’s late. He’s still in pajamas. A room full of people are staring at him. And he died at 11:42 a.m., two days ago. An issue no one seems all that receptive to.
So begins The Life and Sort of Death of Eric Argyle, Fresno Pacific University’s fall theater production. This Irish story by Ross Dungan is told in two acts, and supertitles will be provided for hearing inclusion. Brandi Martin, MFA, is directing the play, her first in-person production as FPU theater program director.
Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on October 21, 22 and 23 with matinees at 2:00 p.m. on October 22, 23 and 24 in Ashley Auditorium in McDonald Hall on the main FPU campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno, 93702.
Seating will be limited and masks will be required in the auditorium regardless of vaccination status. People are encouraged to buy tickets in advance at eventbrite.com/e/the-life-and-sort-of-death-of-eric-argyle-tickets-174344157067. Admission—$18 for general audiences and $15 for students and alumni—may also be paid at the door as long as seating is available.
Visiting Artist Chris Carsten will play the title character, with several FPU students each in multiple roles: Alex Hodson, Redlands; Tiana Gabel, Coalinga; Alexander Lujan, Selma; Lindsay Martin, Coarsegold; Izaiah Ruiz, Tulare; and Steph Gonzales and B.K. Robinson, both Fresno. The student production team includes, Madison Alley, Stockton, stage manager & student director; Elizabeth Davis, Tulare, lighting designer; Jacob Cozzi, Clovis, sound designer; Maria Vollmer, Germany, costume assistant; and Landon Goldsborough, graphics. Adjunct Instructor Brooke Aiello is costume designer.