Two women portray young Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, before fame and fortune. One night, the screenplay of “Good Will Hunting” falls magically from the ceiling. And…go!
West Virginia University LAB Theatre’s “Matt and Ben” by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers will be in performance in the Vivian Davis Michael Laboratory Theatre Nov. 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. The show is free and open to the public, though seating is limited.
A darling of the 2002 International New York Fringe Festival and subsequent off-Broadway hit, “Matt and Ben” was written and performed by its two leading ladies, Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers. Offbeat and quirky, the plot revolves around how Matt and Ben (caricaturized as an uptight preppie and a dumb jock, respectively) deal with a heaven-sent script that is sure to make them famous, while trying to maintain their friendship.
Mindy Kaling is best known for her role as Kelly Kapoor and her position as a staff writer on the hit NBC television series, “The Office,” as well as her own FOX network series, “The Mindy Project.” Brenda Withers has enjoyed success as a character actor and is also a founding member of Lucid Theater and Harbor Stage Company.
“Matt and Ben” is directed by third-year Master of Fine Arts acting student Stephanie Freeman. Freeman’s directing credits include, a staged reading of “Kimberly Akimbo” for WVU’s LAB Theatre, “Tzu’s Palace” and “Homecoming” at Middle Tennessee State University, and “The Pillowman” and “Angel Street” at The University of Alabama. Past roles at WVU have included Julia in “Lend Me a Tenor” and Amanda in “The Glass Menagerie.”
“This show is not only a blast to work on, but it fits my research area—women in contemporary comedy,” says Freeman. “Also, women in drag put into a farcical situation just screamed LAB show to me. It is our hope that audiences will see a different side to theater—the laid-back, silly side—and will keep coming back to see more LAB Theatre performances.”
Professor Jim Knipple, resident artist and director of the LAB Theatre Program, has brought some fresh ideas to the table about how students can be involved in creating their own theater, providing even more creative opportunities within the School of Theatre & Dance.
“It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to see two entertainment icons lampooned by actresses in drag,” said Knipple. “This play is a laugh riot, and we’re so excited to present it as part of the 2014-15 LAB season.”
“Matt and Ben” stars Bachelor of Arts theater senior Kathleen Cowan, who is using this performance as her senior capstone project, and BFA acting sophomore, Kristen Aviles. Lighting design is by BFA Design/Tech student Daniel Del Busto.
The show runs approximately 90 minutes, including a brief intermission, and contains brief moments of strong language.
For more information on this production of “Matt and Ben” please visit www.theatre.wvu.edu, call 304-293-2020, or email theatre@mail.wvu.edu.
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CONTACT: Charlene Lattea, College of Creative Arts
304-293-4359, Charlene.Lattea@mail.wvu.edu
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