ENMU Theatre Department Presenting 'The Front Page' on Nov. 20-23

Date: 11/14/2003
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Britt Hochhausler

PORTALES--For once, actors will be involved in the media instead of vice
versa in "The Front Page," the latest production at Eastern New Mexico
University, on Nov. 20-23 at 8 p.m. in the University Theatre.

The main characters are Hildy Johnson, a reporter, and Walter Burns, his
editor. Hildy wants to leave the newspaper business for advertising, and
Walter will do anything to keep him on staff. The play takes place in 1928
on the eve of Chicago's last execution by hanging.

"Add into the mix nosy reporters, distraught fiancées, corrupt politicians,
a domineering mother-in-law to be, desperate fugitives as well as a
prostitute with a heart of gold and you've got the recipe for one of
America's most enduring farces," said Felipe Macias, associate professor of
theatre at ENMU and director.

Ben Hecht and Charles McArthur, both former newspaper reporters, wrote the
play, basing the characters on real-life people they both knew. Also, all of
the crimes occurring in the play really happened.

The playwrights went on to be successful screenwriters. In fact, they were
nominated for an Academy Award for "The Scoundrel" and also wrote "Some Like
It Hot" and the original "Scarface." Three big-screen versions of "The Front
Page" have been made, including a transformation into "His Girl Friday."

The ENMU production features Ryan Cook of Albuquerque in the role of Hildy
and Kyle Kilpack, also of Albuquerque, in the role of Walter.

Tickets are on sale at the University Theatre Center Box Office at
505-562-2710. Tickets are $4 for students, $7 for adults, $6 for senior
citizens, and $5 for pre-college students.

"The Front Page is a unique and classic piece of American Theatre. It is
funny, irreverent and as socially relevant today as it was when it was first
produced in 1928," Macias said.

For more information, contact Macias at 505-562-2711.