LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 8, 2012) — The sexually charged play "Les Liaisons Dangereuses," presented by UK Department of Theatre, is set to captivate audiences with its cruel game of vengeance Oct. 11-21, at the Guignol Theatre.
"Les Liaisons Dangereuses," better known to American audiences as "Dangerous Liaisons," follows a merciless game of vengeance between the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont. Schemes and seduction take center stage in this upper-class soap opera.
The story has been portrayed on film by such illustrious actors as Glenn Close and John Malcovich and was translated into a modern day high school drama in the popular film "Cruel Intentions." The play is by Christopher Hampton and adapted from the 18th century novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.
UK Theatre's production will adapt the 18th century play to a more recent era. "It will be very dramatic and theatrical — in some ways it is the 18th century as seen through the lens of early 1980s French punk rock scene. Very sexy and contemporary," said Nancy Jones, director of the production and chair of UK Theatre.
Gone are the men in powdered wigs and high heels. Associate Professor Nelson Fields, the play's costume designer, worked with Jones to develop a look for the cast using a black and white color palette with touches of red.
In addition to the updated look, UK's production features lots of action. "The play will be really entertaining with dance, movement transitions, stage combat, sword duels, and lots of seduction." Jones said.
The cast of "Dangerous Liaisons" features: Abby Sheridan as Marquise de Merteuil; Madison McGhee as Présidente de Tourvel; Maggie Howell as Madame Volanges; Erica Chappell as Emilie; Paul DiSilvestro as Vicomte de Valmont; Macreena Groody as Cécile Volanges; Michael Sheehy as The Chevalier Danceny; Layton Sharp as Azolan; and Cheyenne Holbert as Madame Rosemonde. UK's production will also feature a six-person ensemble of Jennifer Arnold, Isaih DaSilva, Vanessa Dickey, Les Gibbs, Megan Henke and Megan Jellison, the play's choreographer.
"Dangerous Liaisons" takes the stage 7:30 p.m., Oct. 11-13 and 17-20, and 2 p.m. Oct. 21, at Guignol Theatre. The Oct. 11 showing has already sold out. Tickets for "Dangerous Liaisons" are $15 for general admission and $10 for students. To reserve tickets, call the Singletary Center for the Arts ticket office at (859) 257-4929, visit online at www.scfatickets.com, or buy in person at the ticket office.
UK Department of Theatre at UK College of Fine Arts has played an active role in the performance scene in Central Kentucky for more than 100 years. Students in the program get hands-on training and one-on-one mentorship from a renowned professional theatre faculty. The liberal arts focus of their bachelor's degree program is coupled with ongoing career counseling to ensure a successful transition from campus to professional life.
For more information on "Dangerous Liaisons" or any other upcoming production, contact the UK Department of Theatre at (859) 257-3297 or uktheatre@uky.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, (859) 257-8716
or whitney.hale@uky.edu
