The Department of Theatre at HPU is proud to present a Pulitzer prize-winning play in performance this week.  Picnic is a 1953 play by William Inge. The play premiered at the Music Box Theatre, on Broadway on February 19, 1953 in a Theatre Guild production, directed by Joshua Logan, which ran for 477 performances.

The original cast featured Ralph Meeker, Eileen Heckart, Arthur O’Connell, Janice Rule, Reta Shaw, Kim Stanley and Paul Newman. Inge won the 1953 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the work, and Logan received a Tony Award for Best Director. The play also won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play of the season.

Picnic was Paul Newman’s Broadway debut. An unknown at the time, Newman campaigned heavily for the leading role of Hal, but director Joshua Logan did not think Newman was physically large enough to convey the lead character’s athletic attributes. As a result, Ralph Meeker was given the role of Hal opposite Janice Rule as Madge. Newman played Hal’s former college roommate Alan Seymour while understudying the role of Hal. Newman eventually took over the lead role.

Regular HPU theatre-goers will recognize Rivers Shotwell in the role of Hal and Josh Helms as Alan.  Other cast members include Hannah Jansen as Madge, Katelyn Bare as Millie, Alex Taliaferro as Flo, Katie Dobson as Rosemary, Tucker Hull as Howard, Dorie Walton as Mrs. Potts, Phoenix Solis as Irma, Audrey Harris as Christine, and Jared Russell as Bomber.

The play takes place in Independence, Kansas where Inge was reared. The plot revolves around the Labor Day neighborhood picnic.  Since shy Millie does not have a date, neighbor Mrs. Potts suggests that Hal, the young man doing yard work for her, accompany Millie, much to the chagrin of her mother, Flo.  Hal agrees, but he is much more interested in Millie’s sister, Madge.  There is an undeniable attraction between the two, as much as they try to fight it.  While getting ready for the picnic, the family and friends dance in Flo’s backyard to music playing nearby.  Hal grows on each of the women, and they all vie for his attention.  Another plot line revolves around the spinster school teacher, Rosemary who has been dating Howard and finally begs him to marry her.

Picnic is 1950s Americana at its best.  We know these folks and enjoy spending time in their back yard.

Performance times are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 1-3 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, March 4th at 2:30 pm at the HPU Theatre.  Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $4.00 for students and children.  HPU faculty, staff, and students are free.  Reservations are encouraged and may be made by calling the Box Office at 325-649-8516.

Click the photo gallery below for photo from a recent rehearsal of the play. Photos by Ray Tipton.

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