Is He Dead?

By Mark Twain, as adapted by David Ives

Directed by Kathleen Tissot

Jean-Francois Millet, a young painter of genius, is in love with Marie Leroux but in debt to a villainous picture dealer, Bastien Andre. Andre forecloses on Millet, threatening debtor's prison unless Marie marries him. Millet, upon the advice of his painter friends, realizes that the only way to pay his debts and keep Marie from marrying Andre is to die, as it is only dead painters who achieve fame and fortune. Millet fakes his death and prospers, all the while passing himself off as his own sister, the Widow Tillou. Now a rich "widow," he must find a way to get out of a dress, return to life, and marry Marie.

This madcap comedy was written by Twain in 1898, but never made it to production, and was tucked away in the Twain archives. Rediscovered in 2003, and adapted by David Ives in 2008, it has received reviews such as,
"A ripely enjoyable confection! An elaborate madcap comedy that registers high on the mirth meter and reaches especially giddy comic heights!" ---David Rooney, Variety

Produced by Oregon High School Drama at Oregon Performing Arts Center, 456 N. Perry Parkway, Oregon

Performances: February 18-20, 2011

Performance Times: Feb 18 and 19 at 7:30 pm Feb 20 at 2:00 pm

Ticket Prices: $5 general admission (no reservations needed)

Call For information: 608-835-4372 for reservations or more information.