Kara Hodge - Entertainment Beat

The department of theater and dance presents "As Is" tomorrow through April 30 in Valborg Theatre.

"As Is" is the last mainstage play and production of the 2000-01 academic year.

"As Is," written by William M. Hoffman, is a serious story about a young man named Rich, played by junior Hunter Thore.

The story starts with Rich, a successful writer who is breaking up a long-time relationship with his lover Saul, played by Bryan Crosslan.

Saul, a professional photographer, tries to be amiable while they divide their stuff, but he still loves Rich deeply. Rich, on the other hand, is in love with someone else.

The plot thickens after Rich leaves. He learns that he has AIDS and returns to Saul as he faces the disease.

Hoffman then takes the play to brief scenes where Rich deals with family, friends, doctors and nurses who are far from understanding and loving to Rich.

The play explores New York's gay and AIDS communities as well.

Professor Linda Welden is the director of "As Is."

"It lies in the potential of art to make us more sensitive to our world and to the people in it," said Welden in a press release about why people should attend this play. "Nobody deserves to die so soon or so painfully."

The additional cast is Matt Harris as the brother, Vanessa Welch as Lily, Josh Price as the hospital worker, Jessica Hunt as the hospice worker and Lynn Wilson as Chet.

Assistant professor Keith Pugh is the scenic and lighting designer and junior Adam Faw is the costume designer. Jennifer Bobbitt is the stage manager. Brandi Ryans and Caroline Sharp are the assistant stage managers.

Thore was in One Acts I this past September as Hunter in "Bachelor Holiday" and Scooter Thomas in "Scooter Thomas Makes it to the Top of the World."

Thore also performed in "Bus Stop" and "2: Goering at Nuremburg" last year.

"As Is" starts tomorrow. Performances begin at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $4 for students and $6 for the general public. For tickets, call the Valborg Box Office at 262-3063 Monday-Friday from 2-5 p.m.

For more information call the department of theater and dance at 262-3028.