Stoppard's intellectual comedy Arcadia opens at CTA Feb. 11

Septimus Hodge (Drew Hildebrand), right, tutors a precocious Thomasina Coverly (Holly Golden) on the magic of mathematics and the complexities of chaos theory in Tom Stoppard's Arcadia Robert Barker/University Photography

Comedy, science, history and romance weave together to form the basis of Tom Stoppard's intellectual comedy Arcadia, which opens Feb. 11 at the Cornell Center for Theatre Arts (CTA).

Arcadia has captured worldwide applause and praise, including the 1995 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award and a Tony nomination for best play.

English playwright Stoppard incorporates a plethora of intellectual, philosophical and historical topics in his play, while moving between the early 19th and late 20th centuries.

Calling the play "beautifully written," director Ron Wilson, associate professor of acting and play writing, said he appreciates how Arcadia pokes fun at "academic conceit."

Arcadia features four of the CTA's resident professional teaching associates: N. Rose Liberace as Hannah; Kevin Connell as Chater; Daryll Heysham as Bernard; and Maggie McClellan as Lady Croom. They will combine their talents with many undergraduates, including Holly Golden as Thomasina and Drew Hildebrand as Septimus, and graduate student Roger Bechtel as Jellaby.

Arcadia opens Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m. Evening performances -- all at 8 -- continue Feb. 12 to 15 and Feb. 18 to 21. Matinees, at 2 p.m., will be Feb. 15 and 21. Following the Feb. 19 performance, there will be a "talk back" session for the audience with the cast and crew.

For ticket information, call or visit the box office in the Center for Theatre Arts, 430 College Ave., between 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. weekdays; or call 254-ARTS (Voice/TTY). Tickets also can be purchased by faxing in orders at 254-2733 (include name, address, phone number, credit card information and expiration date and performance choice).