The student-directed productions on stage at Theatre X this weekend are not puff plays. Both directors, Barney Lopez and Steve Pinzone, selected scripts with challenges and dark undertones: Fur and Mr. Marmalade . Fur , written by Migdalia Cruz and directed by Lopez, is a re-imagining of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale that follows the story of Citrona, a woman raised as an animal in a freak show; and a pet store owner, Michael, who purchases her and hopes to make her fall in love with him. Mr. Marmalade , written by Noah Haidle and directed by Pinzone, takes a look at the effects of divorce and too much television on a 4-year-old girl named Lucy. Lonely Lucy looks to her imaginary friend, Mr. Marmalade, for company, but even he doesn’t have time to play. Things take a turn toward the absurd when Lucy encounters a (real) suicidal peer and Mr. Marmalade tries to intervene. Fur runs this Thursday, March 20, and Saturday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m. at UNM’s Theatre X. Mr. Marmalade runs this Friday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 23, at 6 p.m. Tickets to both shows are $10 general, $8 seniors and $7 students. For tickets and info, call 925-5858.
Aida In Burque
The Albuquerque Little Theatre (ALT) is holding auditions for Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida this Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aida , based on the Italian opera by Giuseppe Verdi, tells the story of the Nubian princess Aida and her Egyptian lover, Radames. ALT’s production will open on May 23 and run through June 22. ALT is looking to cast all parts (including the lead part, Aida, to be filled by an African-American woman between 18 and 29 years old). As this is a musical, auditions will consist of a one- to two-minute song. Call 242-4750 to reserve your slot and bring a headshot, résumé and scheduling information. All dancers interested in auditioning should be warmed up by 4 p.m. and able to stay until 6 p.m. For more info, call 242-4750.
Books-A-Go-Go
Get rid of all those books collecting dust on your shelves while helping kids learn to love reading. Donate to Books-A-Go-Go—a book drive touring 17 cities to help low-income children get reading material. Through the month of March, four DriveTime locations (5306 Central SW, 700 Wyoming NE, 4625 Fourth Street NW and 5210 Alameda NE) will accept donations to be given to local children. For more info, visit Booksagogo.org or call Tammi at 349-2000.
