By Heather Horton/south news editor
South Campus is creating a world of celebrity status with Somebody/Nobody by Jane Martin, running Nov. 14-16 in the Joe B. Rushing Center for the Performing Arts.
This comedy follows the lives of two women. Loli is a small-town girl determined to make a name for herself in Hollywood. Sheena, a B-list movie goddess, would like to fade into the background. Together, their exploits conjure laughs as they offer insight into the celebrity culture, fame and fortune, Hollywood and TMZ.
South drama instructor and play director Richard Haratine said the cast of six students would perform for three nights to an audience of more than 100 patrons.
The director chose this piece because of the subject matter. Comedy is a theme he relates to.
“I always lean towards comedy,” he said. “What I’m most comfortable with is laughing at the things that may be serious. I am always drawn to people and writers who are able to draw out, tease out the comedy and humor in things that we all maintain seriously.”
Haratine said he has worked with some of the cast members before and believes each actor will offer great performances each night.
South student Lauren Kirkpatrick plays leading role Sheena.
“In horrible ways, I relate to her,” she said, “not that I should because she’s not a peach.”
Kirkpatrick said Haratine specifically chose her for this role.
“He picked the part I auditioned for,” she said. “I’ve been in quite a few [TCC plays] before.”
South student Michael Muller plays Joe Don, cousin to “nobody” Loli.
“This is very different than anything I have ever done, so far,” he said.
Muller said he does not have much in common with his character, Jo Don. In real life, he would never consider eating raccoon, has not been mauled by a bobcat and would probably not attempt to perform a self-appendectomy.
South student Rebecca Barber, who plays the role of Loli, plans to major in theater when she transfers to a four-year university.
“I’ve done plays before,” she said. “It can definitely get exhausting, but the final results will be worth it.”
The cast and crew are hoping to draw large crowds and agree the event will definitely be worth attending.
“Bring tons of people!” Kirkpatrick said, “I’m really excited! This is going to be incredibly fantastic!”
Haratine agreed.
“Come and let us entertain you,” he said.
Performances are free for all TCC students, faculty and staff. Tickets are $3 for non-TCC students and senior citizens and $6 for the general public. Tickets are sold beginning at 7 p.m. the day of the event. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m.
Patrons are urged to come early because no late seating will be allowed.