Alzheimer’s is Subject of Theatre/Converse Production

The tragedy and the jesting of Alzheimer’s disease is the theme for a Theatre/Converse performance Feb. 18-20 and Feb. 23-26.

With a sense of humor and great sensitivity, “Last Lists of My Mad Mother” chronicles the changes caused by Alzheimer’s to personal relationships between an aging mother and her two daughters. While one daughter sacrifices her writing career to take on the role of her mother’s caretaker, the other decides to remain at a distance by caring for her own husband and children.

Deborah Gideon, a Converse II student, is cast as the aging Ma, who is fighting her unavoidable mental decline from the disease. Melissa Pesaro ’06 takes the role of Ma’s daughter Dot, and uses a fiendish sense of humor while taking care of her mother. Sis, who decides to phone-in her advice from the comforts of her own home, is played by Katie Pooley ’08.

Directed by Kerry Mulvaney Ferguson and written by Julie Jensen, “Last Lists of My Mad Mother” will be performed on the stage of Hazel B. Abbott Theatre on the campus of Converse College Feb. 18-20 and Feb. 23-26. Curtain times are 8 p.m. each evening, except for the Sunday (Feb. 20th) show which begins at 2 p.m. Reserved seating is $8 for adults; $4 students and seniors. Students from Converse College, Wofford College, Limestone College, and USC-Upstate will be admitted free. Groups of ten or more can purchase tickets for $2. A portion of the proceeds from the Feb. 25th performance will be given to the Upstate SC Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. A discussion about Alzheimer’s will follow the performance that evening.

For reservation and ticket information, contact the Theatre/Converse ticket office at (864) 596-9068.