Ring Round the Moon Wraps Wit and Farce at UNLV

By Debbie Hall

Presented by the Nevada Conservatory Theatre, Ring Round the Moon brings absurdity and fun to the stage at the Judy Bayley Theatre at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on Oct. 8.

Set in Paris before World War I, the delightfully witty farce takes place in the winter garden of a palatial estate owned by the incorrigible Madame Demortes, aunt to the roguishly charming Hugo. Ever cynical about love, Hugo suspects that his lovesick and emotionally sensitive twin brother, Frederic, is engaged to the wrong woman—the wealthy and seemingly indifferent Diana. Hugo schemes to turn Frederic’s head from Diane to a new conquest—the breathtakingly innocent and enchanting dancer, Isabelle. Mistaken identities, unrequited love, reunited school chums, and a whole pot of noodles with no butter or salt add flavor to this quick-paced romantic comedy that will delight the entire family.

Jean Anouilh's Invitation to the Castle was released in 1947 and the play based on the book, Ring Round the Moon, was adapted in 1950 by Christopher Fry. Peter Brook commissioned Fry to adapt the book as a play which was first performed at the Globe Theatre starring Academy Award winners Paul Scofield and Margaret Rutherford with Claire Bloom. It has since been performed in the West End, Royal Exchange (Manchester), and on Broadway (1999).

Ring Round the Moon will be performed at the Judy Bailey Theatre at UNLV at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8. Ticket prices are $25 with discounted tickets ($22.50) available for seniors, military members, the disabled, and UNLV faculty, staff, and alumni. Students may get one $10 ticket with identification. Tickets are available at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office (northeast end of campus attached to the south wall of the parking garage) or call (702) 895-ARTS (2787). UNLV Performing Arts Center patrons are welcome to park in the Cottage Grove Parking for free after 1 p.m. on Friday. For more info, click here.

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