Above: University Players (left to right) Dayna Damron, Mark Hudson,
Christy Waymouth and (front) Bryan Nicholls perform in a scene from “Lucky Stiff.”

The University Players at Western Carolina University will present “Lucky Stiff,” a comedic musical of farce and suspense, Thursday, Nov. 8, through Sunday, Nov. 11.

Based on the Michael Butterworth mystery “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo,” “Lucky Stiff” tells the tale of Harry Witherspoon, a timid shoe salesman who learns by telegram that he has inherited the riches of his Uncle Tony, an Atlantic City casino manager. To secure the fortune, Witherspoon must follow Uncle Tony’s only request—to take his preserved body on a vacation to Monte Carlo.

With script and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephan Flaherty, “Lucky Stiff” will be directed by Charlie Flynn-McIver, artistic director of the N.C. Stage Company. Flynn-McIver, who earned a master of fine arts degree in acting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is an associate artist at Vermont Stage Company and has performed on stages across the United States.

“The musical is fun, and it has some songs that I can’t get out of my head, which is a good sign,” said Flynn-McIver. “The student actors I’ve been working with at Western are very talented, here to learn and willing to try new things.”

Taking the role of Witherspoon will be Mark Hudson, a junior pursuing a major in broadcasting and a minor in theatre. Hudson is a 2004 graduate of Hopewell High School and is the son of Harold L. Hudson Jr. of Huntersville and Robyn Hudson of Raleigh.

Uncle Tony will be played by Bryan Nicholls, a sophomore philosophy major from Canton. Nicholls is the son of Smith and Marylin Nicholls and is a 2005 graduate of Pisgah High School.

The musical is a joint production of Western’s musical theatre program and department of stage and screen.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. All performances will be held in Hoey Auditorium.

Tickets are on sale now at $15 for adults, $10 for WCU faculty and staff and senior citizens, and $5 for students. Group rates also are available.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Fine and Performing Arts Center box office at (828) 227-2479 or visit http://wcutheatre.ticketsxchange.com/.

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Last modified: Monday, Oct. 29, 2007