'Misalliance' Takes on Social Issues with a Smile

LOGAN – The mischievous comic classic, Misalliance by George Bernard Shaw, opens in the Morgan Theatre at USU’s Chase Fine Arts Center on Friday, April 14. The show runs April 14, 19-22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 15 at 1:00 pm and 7:30 p.m.

Written by renowned playwright George Bernard Shaw, Misalliance is a witty tale of love, marriage, and class conflict set in early 20th century England. Set on the Tarleton country estate in England, the play follows the host’s free-spirited daughter, Hypatia (played by BFA senior Ashlynn Rober), and her many suitors. As all around her navigate the complexities of their relationships and societal expectations, a strikingly modern woman crash lands in a plane and turns all the men’s worlds upside down.

Leslie Brott, Interim Associate Dean in the Caine College of the Arts and director of Misalliance, said the comedy offers genre specific opportunities for the BFA actors and designers, including beautiful sets, lights, and costumes, and sparkling language; all affirming Shaw’s call for every human being to live an examined, enjoyed, and fully realized life.

“There’s nothing more fun than examining universal truths and smiling at the same time,” Brott said, “As a member of the performance faculty, I knew this particular script complemented the abilities of our current cohort of BFA actors.”

Brott said the show’s arguments are presented with Shaw’s customary wit and humor as the characters examine what makes life and relationships satisfying and meaningful.

“There are myriad pursuits of romantic liaisons and marriage, all designed to make you smile and think,” Brott said. “Most important is Shaw’s examination of the culture of late Edwardian Britain, which obliged men to court women who would be compliant, subservient partners, when what really attracted them were strong, independent women; confident and brimming with vitality.”

Of course, as Brott says, that notion is still contemporary and relevant. Department Head of Theatre Arts, Paul Mitri, agrees. “The issues of gender roles in society and marriage are as prevalent now as they were in 1910,” Mitri said. “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

USU Theatre is excited to share this production with its audience members who appreciate a thought-provoking comedy and who will enjoy, as Brott says, “all the wit, laughs, beauty, and romance.”

Tickets for Misalliance are $10-15 and free for USU students with ID. Content warning: adult themes. For more information or tickets, contact the CCA Box Office in room L101 of the Chase Fine Arts Center on USU’s campus, call 435-797-8022, or go online to cca.usu.edu.