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MSU Theatre Dept. Combines Religion, Horror, and Comedy in "The Praying Mantis"

Murray State University Ticket Office

     Murray State University's theatre department will be presenting "The Praying Mantis" this week through September 23rd in the Wilson Hall black box theatre. Tracy Ross speaks with director, Daryl Phillipy, about what to expect from this macabre and entertaining production that weaves religious, romantic, and insectile imagery into one show. 

 Originally written by Chilean playwright Alejandro Sieveking and translated by Charles Philip Thomas, "Praying Mantis" tells a story of love, madness, horror, and a family secret kept tightly locked behind an unopened door. As three sisters fight for the love of one gentlemen, the audience witnesses a hilarious and twisted descent into the mental frailty of all parties involved. The ominous family secret, presented as a sort of mysterious Pandora's box, remains a constant force throughout the storyline before finally revealing itself in a way which will surprise even the most clever of audience members. 
          "The Praying Mantis" opens Wednesday night, September 20th, at 7:30 pm in Wilson Hall's black box theatre. Shows will continue to run at the same time through September 23rd. For more information on the show and to purchase tickets, click here.

Tracy started working for WKMS in 1994 while attending Murray State University. After receiving his Bachelors and Masters degrees from MSU he was hired as Operations/Web/Sports Director in 2000. Tracy hosted All Things Considered from 2004-2012 and has served as host/producer of several music shows including Cafe Jazz, and Jazz Horizons. In 2001, Tracy revived Beyond The Edge, a legacy alternative music program that had been on hiatus for several years. Tracy was named Program Director in 2011 and created the midday music and conversation program Sounds Good in 2012 which he hosts Monday-Thursday. Tracy lives in Murray with his wife, son and daughter.
Melanie Davis-McAfee graduated from Murray State University in 2018 with a BA in Music Business. She has been working for WKMS as a Music and Operations Assistant since 2017. Melanie hosts the late-night alternative show Alien Lanes, Fridays at 11 pm with co-host Tim Peyton. She also produces Rick Nance's Kitchen Sink and Datebook and writes Sounds Good stories for the web.
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