Play deals with violent decision between friends, job

A Southeast Missouri State University professor's play will see its world premier tonight on a River Campus stage.

Theater professor Kenneth Stilson said his dark comedy, "Murphy's Law," is a "comedy -- with a gun to its head."

The show is set in a suburb of St. Louis and follows Tony and Murphy, two "made" members of a local organized crime syndicate, in the final evening of their lifelong friendship.

Murphy is unexpectedly appointed underboss and is ordered to "whack" Tony, who has been accused by other members of ratting out the boss. As he struggles to determine where his loyalties lie -- with his career or with his best friend -- Murphy also must take care of his sister Sofia, who suffers from schizotypal personality disorder.

"Ultimately, what it comes down to is what's stronger: love for your friends and family versus obligation to your profession," Dr. Stilson said. "It just so happens in this case that they're mobsters. They've taken a sworn oath of allegiance and are bound to it with their lives, and yet, what is stronger?"

Murphy, portrayed by Kyle Morr, roughs up Tony, portrayed by Michael Burrell, during “Murphy’s Law” dress rehearsal in the Wendy Kurka Rust Flexible Theatre on the River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University. (LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semisourian.com)

Stilson entered his play into playwriting competitions across the country and recently won first place in the Southwest Playwriting Competition at Stage West Theatre in Fort Worth, Texas. The play also was selected as part of the First Run Theatre's Annual Play Reading Festival in St. Louis.

Since "Murphy's Law" is an original piece that has not yet been premiered, Stilson said it is more "interactive" than a published piece.

"It's more fun to do original pieces because you're involved in its creation," he said. "It's been a very satisfying process and I'm thrilled with what the students are doing with the piece. Sometimes they'll try something a little different and I'll say 'yeah, I like that' and write it in."

"It's been an adventure, for sure," said Michael Burrell who plays Tony.

Kyle Morr, who portrays the title character Murphy, said he always enjoys working with Stilson.

"He's a really great writer," Morr said. "I was excited when I heard he wrote it."

The student actors are performing under the direction of guest David Starwalt, a veteran director, actor and teacher in television and theater. This is the second time Starwalt has directed a show at Southeast, his first being the New Student Showcase in 2009.

"It's really great to get the opportunity to work with a non-faculty director," said Natalee Damron, who plays Sofia in the Southeast production and the First Run Theatre's production in June in St. Louis.

The play is a challenge, the students agree, but it is genuinely funny and unlike any other show before it.

"It's hard for me not to laugh myself when we're running through it," Burrell said. "I think this show will be especially popular with young adults, more so than a lot of the shows we've done this year."

Stilson said "Murphy's Law" is for an adult audience, but he doesn't believe that will deter people from coming out to see it.

"It has a very Quentin Tarantino-esque feel to it," he said. "People who like shows like 'Goodfellas' or 'The Sopranos' will really enjoy it. There are moments when you don't know whether you should be terrified or laugh."

"Murphy's Law" will play at 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday, with matinee shows at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in the Rust Flexible Theatre. Tickets may be purchased at the River Campus box office in the Cultural Arts Center, by calling the box office at 651-2265 or online at RiverCampusEvents.com.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Want to go?

What: "Murphy's Law"

When: 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Rust Flexible Theatre, River Campus

Info: 651-2265, rivercampusevents.com

Pertinent address:

518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.