The Department of Theatre Arts is thrilled to present Saddleback College students in Dead Man’s Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl

Photographer: Ken Kinder

Photo: David Patrick Vera, Solana Price

If A Man Answers, Hang Up! He’s Dead!

Directed by Olivia Trevino with choreography by Deidre Cavazzi, this oddball comedy takes place in the Studio Theatre on October 18^th through the 27^th. There’s an incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café, a stranger at the next table who has had enough, and a dead man—with a lot of loose ends. So begins Dead Man’s Cell Phone, a wildly imaginative new comedy by Sarah Ruhl, author of The Clean House and Eurydice. Dead Man’s Cell Phone is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Olivia Trevino’s concept centers on highlighting and uplifting moments of genuine human connection against the prevailing atmosphere of technological isolation and loneliness. The set design is associated with what is modern, digital, cold, and sleek with a disconnected feeling but also what is antiquated, organic, warm, and textured with real human connection. Not only are the actors rehearsing diligently to bring Dead Man’s Cell Phone to audiences in October, but the students behind-the-scenes are also working hard in Entertainment and Theatre Technology classes.

Puppets created by students in the puppet-making class play a surreal role in depicting technology pressing down on society. Production students are currently involved in building a 20 foot grid for the set, and painting students are painting the wood structure to resemble steel. The director is also excited about an addition of a movement ensemble to help tell the story in a more visual way. Choreographer Cavazzi presents spellbinding moments for the audience including a piece that incorporates the surreal puppets crafted by the students. Audiences will enjoy the extra details to enhance the storytelling of this imaginative satire.

Dates are October 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26 at 7:30 p.m. and October 20, 27 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling (949) 582-4656 (noon-4:00 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday) and online at www.saddleback.edu/arts.  Prices are $15 general; $10 students/seniors.

The Department of Theatre Arts program at Saddleback College produces several fully-staged shows each year.  All students are given the opportunity to audition for every production yet Theatre Arts students are given priority in the casting process.  In addition, there are numerous opportunities for students to contribute in backstage activities through the Entertainment and Theater Technology program.

Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Pkwy in Mission Viejo, just east of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit.  Free parking is available in Lot 12.  Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway turn left to the third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite entrance. Turn right into the campus and take the third left to Theatre Circle, turning right into Lot 12.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community.  Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals.  For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.