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April 16, 2012 — The Allegheny College Playshop Theatre concludes its season with four performances of “Museum,” written by Tina Howe and directed by Beth Watkins, in the Gladys Mullenix Black Theatre in the Vukovich Center for Communication Arts. Performance dates are April 19-22: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m.

A comic masterpiece, “Museum” is set in an art gallery on the final day of a contemporary art exhibit. Forty-two eccentric patrons visit, including art aficionados, tourists from the Midwestern United States and France, the artists’ parents and crazed fans, all interacting with one another and reacting wildly to the art they see. At the center of the mayhem is the Guard, who does his best to enforce the rules, despite the chaos surrounding him.

“Whether the audience members are museum-goers or not,” said Watkins, “I think they will appreciate the different types of characters who show up in museums.”

The ensemble cast consists of 24 Allegheny students and faculty members, playing all 42 characters. The actors were required to learn a number of special skills for the performance, including sketching, photography, tap and modern dance.

The Allegheny production of “Museum” will feature clothing and hairstyles that were typical of the late 1970s, when the play was written.

The scenic designer is Brian Wetzel, Michael Mehler is the lighting designer, Sarah Russell designed the costumes and Colleen McCaughey is the stage manager.

Tickets for “Museum” are $10 for adults and $7.50 for non-Allegheny students, senior citizens and Allegheny employees. Although admission is free for Allegheny students with ID, they are asked to make reservations. For more information or to order tickets, contact the Playshop Theatre Box Office at 814-332-3414.

Photo: Allegheny students Caitlyn Fuoco and Maya Jones in the Playshop Theatre production of “Museum”