SMU Department of Theatre & Dance to stage ‘The Lightning Bug’ Sept. 30-Oct. 3

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Department of Theatre and Dance will begin its season with the giggle-inducing comedy, “The Lightning Bug” Sept. 30 through Oct. 3.

This world-premiere performance capitalizes on superhero silliness and involves fast-paced dialogue and non-stop action. The family-friendly show, written by award-winning playwright Rand Higbee, takes place in 1939 at the Magnopolis Daily News as the evil genius Dr. Kasady emerges from hiding. The plot combines the elements of a 1930s screwball comedy with those of an old-time comic book adventure.

Rand, who received a 2009 Wisconsin Wrights award for “The Lightning Bug,” has written several popular plays including “Next!” which is currently one of the most often performed high school one-acts in the country. A question-and-answer period with Rand — who currently lives near Red Wing — will be held following Friday evening’s performance.

The show’s director Judy Myers discovered “Lightning Bug” when she attended the Last Frontier Theatre Conference in Valdez, Alaska in June of 2009. “Rand’s piece was read on the last day and I was so impressed that I asked him immediately following the reading if he would allow us to produce it at SMU,” Myers said. “I believed it would be a great piece for our students, as well as the Saint Mary’s and Winona communities.”

“Lightning Bug” — just one of SMU’s Family Weekend arts offerings — will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org.