Emporia State University Theatre presents “The Mistress of the Inn,” an Italian comedy by Carlo Goldoni. Performances are scheduled for April 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. and April 27 at 2 p.m. in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre, in King Hall.
A delightful comedy set in 1753 Italy, “The Mistress of the Inn” tells the story of Mirandolina, the daughter of a late innkeeper who is now his successor. A very beautiful and charming woman, she captivates the attention of every man who steps foot into the business. This pattern breaks when the Cavaliere di Ripafratta, a misogynistic aristocrat, becomes the first in the inn to show no interest towards Mirandolina. To prove the power of women, she uses attentiveness and flattery to send the Cavaliere into his own romantic purgatory.
“If the genre of Girlboss Comedy existed in 18th century Italy, ‘The Mistress of the Inn’ would fit the bill. In a game of fiery flirtation and power games, Mirandolina is always the master of the men. In a new challenge from a known misogynist, I love how this charmingly witty play explores questions of class, gender and emotional vulnerability,” notes Director Dennis Turney Jr.
Visit emporia.edu/tickets for reservations or additional information or call the box office at (620) 341-5256 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays with any questions. The show runs approximately 2 hours with two 10-minute intermissions. Tickets will also be available at the Karl C. Bruder Theatre Box Office one hour before the show.
The cast consists of Brennan Ryan (Emporia) as The Marchese di Forlipopopoli, Lewis Trotter (Abilene) as The Conte d’Albafafioritita, Ben Ziek (Emporia) as Fabrizio, Alex Knudsen (Branson, Missouri) as The Cavaliere di Ripafratatta, Lexie Vega (Iola) as Mirandolina, and Luis Rivera Rede (Liberal) as Servant.
The production team includes Dennis Turney Jr. (Director), Production Stage Manager Abby Tyler (Lawrence), Assistant Stage Manager Carly Welter (Olathe), Assistant Stage Manager Aspen Walker (Goddard), Chris Lohkamp (Scenic Designer/Technical Director), Costume Designer Vaughn Lolley (Topeka), Nic Wilson (Lighting Designer), Makeup Designer Hannah Johnson (Potwin), Hair and Wig Designer Ray Keady (Emporia), Dennis Turney Jr. (Sound Designer), Kelsey Looney (Costume Shop Manager), and Properties Coordinators Rose Cox (Merriam) and Eva Girard (Overland Park).
The Sound Board Operator is Blake Hess (Garnett), Lightboard Operator Shaylan Haney (Gardner), Scenic Charge Chloe Eubanks (Emporia), Fly Operator/Deck Crew Ashton Ramsey (Great Bend), Deck Crew Chief Colin Newland (Wichita), Wardrobe Crew Head Kaitlynn Tarrant (Crescent, OK) and Master Carpenter Nicholas Thomas (Emporia).
The Deck Crew consists of Qi Ridley (Pleasanton), Maya Smith (Emporia), Riley Welter (Olathe), and Jasper Enneking (Sabetha). The Scenic Carpenters are Jeremiah Johnson (Salina), Danielle McClellan (Americus) and Jyck Green (Lenexa). The Wardrobe Running Crew consists of Ethan Maestas (Wichita), Ray Keady (Emporia), and Lizzy Thomas (St. Marys). Hair and Makeup Crew consists of Frankie Williams (Garnett). Wardrobe Construction/Maintenance consists of Evie Johnson (Canton), Hannah Johnson (Potwin), and Ariam Mersera (Emporia). The House Manager is Krais Baker (Yates Center).