The Hilberry Theatre proudly presents Tennessee Williams’ classic, Sweet Bird of Youth, opening at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 18, 2005. This shocking tale of scandal and betrayal examines how a young man’s scheme of using people leaves him deserted by love and his youth. Chance Wayne is a drifter whose failings as an actor lead him into a career as a gigolo, returning home to try to rekindle an old flame. What he doesn’t know is that unwittingly he had infected the girl, and her father lies waiting for revenge upon Chance’s return.

A line from Hart Crane’s famous poem “Legend” – “Relentless caper for all who step the legend of their youth into the noon” – inspired Williams to write Sweet Bird of Youth. The play originally opened at the Martin Beck Theatre in New York on March 10, 1959. It was directed by Elia Kazan, starring Paul Newman as Chance Wayne and Geraldine Page as The Princess Kosmonopolis (a.k.a. Alexandria del Lago). Geraldine Page went on to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the 1962 film version.

Directed by James Luse, the cast includes: Michael Brian Ogden (Chance Wayne), Morgan Chard (The Princess Kosmonopolis), Sean Ward (Fly/Pager), Chris Corporandy (George Scudder/Dan Hatcher), Mike Metzel (Boss Finley), Patrick Moltane (Tom Finley Junior), Tiffanie Kilgast (Aunt Nonnie), Megan Callahan (Heavenly Finley), Nathan Magee (Charles/Scotty), Jeff Luttermoser (Stuff), Jennifer McConnell (Miss Lucy), Jeff Thomakos (The Heckler), Cynthia Barker (Violet) and Michael Boynton (Bud). Designers for Sweet Bird of Youth are Sarah Tanner (scenic), Andrew Morehouse (lighting), Andrea Bear (costumes) and Chad Croteau (sound).

Sweet Bird of Youth plays through Saturday, January 28, 2005 in rotating repertory with Sylvia by A.R. Gurney, Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare and Electra by Sophocles (translated by Anne Carson and Michael Shaw).

Ticket prices range from $15 - $28 with student rush tickets available the day of the performance for $10. Group discounts are also available. For tickets and further information, please call (313) 577-2972 or visit the Wayne State University Box Office at 4743 Cass Ave. on the corner of Cass and W. Hancock. Performance information may also be obtained by visiting the theatre’s website at www.hilberry.com.