Students to Showcase “110º In the Shade”

In a small western town during the Great Depression, a paralyzing drought and a blistering heat wave have the townspeople longing for rain.

In the midst of the heat, Lizzie Curry endures frustration at having never been able to find true love, even as her father and two brothers have tried everything to marry her off.

Into the mix enters Starbuck, the Rainmaker, a picaresque character who promises to bring rain for the price of $100.

Hence is the story of “110º In the Shade,” a musical production based on N. Richard Nash’s 1954 play “The Rainmaker,” being performed this week at the University of Tampa’s David Falk Theater.

Performances are at 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 15-17. A Sunday matinee performance on Nov. 18 is at 2 p.m.

The UT student cast features Kimberly Fellman ’09 as Lizzie, Will Holly ’08 as Starbuck, Tommy Hall ’11 as File, John Adam Barbay ’08 as H.C., Christian Stewart ’11 as Noah and Clare Niederpruem ’08 as Snookie.

The production is being directed by Gary Luter, UT professor of theater, and includes musical direction by Tara Richards Swartzbaugh, UT instructor of music, and choreography by guest Capria Pichette.

Before being adapted into a musical, “The Rainmaker” was made into a 1956 Hollywood film starring Katherine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster. The subsequent musical production of “110º In the Shade” ran on Broadway during the mid 1960s, Luter said.

“It’s sort of been rediscovered lately,” Luter said. “It’s just part of the American experience. That’s what makes it an important play.”

Tickets are $10 for the general public, $5 for students and seniors. Those with a valid UT ID are admitted at no charge. Parking on the UT campus is free.

For more information, call the UT Theatre Department at (813) 258-7495.