The final production of Nevada Conservatory Theatre's 2002-03 Season, John Guare's award-winning "Six Degrees of Separation," opens at 8 p.m. May 2 in the Judy Bayley Theatre. Robert Brewer directs this high comedy about the homeless, the liberal chic, ghetto opportunity, and rich people. "Six Degrees of Separation" is a searing panorama of urban America and includes adult situations, language, and nudity.
The title refers to a statistical theory that any two people in the world can be connected through only six other people. The play is an examination of the threads of chance that link one person to another.
Inspired by a true story, the play follows the trail of a young black con man who insinuates himself into the lives of a wealthy New York couple by claiming that he is the son of actor Sidney Poitier and that he knows the couple's son from college. He claims to have been mugged and robbed of all his money. The Kittredges take him in for a night that changes their lives.
Equity actors Gayton Scott and Stephen Benson play the Kittredges. Scott, who plays Ouisa, has appeared on Broadway and regional theatre as well as on television's "The Guiding Light" where she played Tiffany Astor. Benson, a graduate of Tufts University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, plays Flan Kittredge. He is the recipient of the Critics Circle Award and has performed in regional theatres throughout the country, as well as in film and television.
Tywayne Wheatt, a UNLV graduate student, plays the enticing con man. Others in the cast include Steve Rapella, Walt Turner, Maggie Chapin, Douglas Hill, John Tarang, Lisa Easley, Steve Booth, Michael Murphy, Taylor Hanes, Samuel Lemos, Shawn Overton, Ben Campbell, Kris Pruett, and Emily Foster.
Guest artist John Santangelo designs the set with costumes by Kelly James and lighting by Jessica Betts.
Performances are May 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. on May 4 and 11. Tickets are $25, free to UNLV students with valid I.D., and on sale at the Performing Arts Center Box Office which can be reached by calling 895-ARTS (2787). The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
