Southeast to present 'Daisy Pulls It Off'

The titular character in Southeast Missouri State University's upcoming production of "Daisy Pulls it Off" is no delicate flower -- instead, she's an intrepid and precocious adventure-seeker.

Director Mac MacIntosh likened the tone of the show to that of a Monty Python movie: It's a lively plot punctuated with quick, oddball humor.

"It's a spoof on the Angela Brazil books," he explained. "She wrote British schoolgirl novels *... but this show has more wacky gags and adventures. It's a satire, so it's more fun."

The plot revolves around the fantastical escapades (and schoolyard drama) of young Daisy Meredith, the Nancy Drew-type heroine thrust onto campus with high-society peers.

"It's set in a 1920s boarding school," MacIntosh explained. "It's like Hogwarts, except there's no magic and no boys, but there are still daring rescues and treasures and that kind of thing."

Coline Duncan will play Daisy next week in Southeast Missouri State University's production of "Daisy Pulls it Off" next week. (Photo submitted by Southeast Misssouri State University)

One of the biggest challenges in putting on "Daisy Pulls it Off," MacIntosh said, was bringing the outlandish settings to the small stage.

"There are over 45 locations that we have to portray," he said. "I mean, people fall off of cliffs, there's a giant field-hockey game *... all kinds of clues and hidden treasures as well."

The show's heavy set requirements are compounded by the fact that it will be performed in the River Campus' black box theater. MacIntosh said the production will utilize an "alley-like" configuration of seats that hasn't yet been used in the Rust Flexible Theatre.

"The show switches from scene to scene to scene, almost like a movie does," he said. "It's going to be exciting to see that happen before your eyes. [With this seat configuration] you're up close; you'll have a good seat for everything."

"Daisy Pulls it Off" is the first show MacIntosh has directed at Southeast, though you might recognize him from his time playing Edna in Southeast's production of "Hairspray." He said he's been impressed with the talent and work ethic of the show's actors.

"I love coming to work every day because the students are so eager to learn, and all the professors love what they're doing," he said. "We have a really outstanding cast for this show. It's the best of the best."

He said the show is entertaining even for grade-schoolers themselves.

"It's ridiculous and ridiculously funny. It's great for anybody over 10 or 12," he said. "If you would take your kid to see a Monty Python movie, you can bring your kid to come see this."

The show runs from Wednesday to May 3 in the Rust Flexible Theatre and tickets are available at the River Campus box office, online at RiverCampusEvents.com or by calling (573) 651-2265.

tgraef@semissourian.com

388-3627