Satire ready for South drama

   South Campus will present A. R. Gurney’s social satire, The Perfect Party, Saturday, Nov. 1 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
   The production, directed by Jamie Tompkins, features a disgruntled American literature professor, who pursues an alternative and more lucrative career as the “perfect” party consultant.
   His plans are sent askew by a snooty New York Times drama reviewer, who snubs the professor’s party because she thinks the professor plays it too safe to keep things interesting.
   The professor rebounds by making up an evil twin brother to spice things up for the reviewer.
   These actions prompt the reviewer to stay, at which point, according to one review, “the funny heart of the play takes over.”
   From this point, the play takes another avenue.
   Critics do not agree on Gurney’s theme, though.
   Some say it is “a metaphor for America’s overweening ambition to control all human interaction and entertainment.”
   Others, such as reviewer James Reel, claim it is “actually satirizing pretentious, message-laden alternative theater.”
    Rated PG-13 for strong language and sexual innuendo, the play will be presented in the Recital Hall Theatre.
   The cast includes Anthony Cearley as Tony, Aaron Noce as Wes, Sharie Henderson as Wilma, Alaina Appleby as Lois and Sabrina Vautrain as Sally.
   The production is also an entry in the American College Theatre Festival, where it will be presented in Tyler next week.
   Admission is free for TCC students, $3 for other students and $5 for all others.
   It is recommended that reservations be made.
   Tickets will be on a first-come, first served basis.
   More information can be obtained from the South Campus fine arts department at 817-515-4642.