Jimmy Dean comes back

By Linda Prendez	On-line Forty-Niner
March 5, 1997

Daily Forty-Niner

Texas homespun humor, flashbacks and sex changes will permeate the stage when the Cal State Long Beach University Players present Ed Graczyk's provocative play "Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" Friday at the California Repertory Theatre.

Set in a small town thrift store in West Texas, the dramatic comedy revolves around the women of a James Dean Fan Club who are reuniting after 20 years. The old friends meet new surprises, when an unrecognizable woman sets off a series of confrontations which lead to shocking revelations.

"Come Back... Jimmy Dean" has appeared on Broadway, and was also made into a 1982 Academy Award nominated film starring Cher and Kathy Bates. This time around, the play is directed by Jeff Paul, CSULB theater arts graduate.

The University Players are a group of undergraduate students in the Theatre arts Department. The cast includes Liz Urena as Sissy, Sue Heaton as Mona, Kim Bush as Joanne, and Sean Katlin as Joe.

"Come Back... Jimmy Dean" plays through Saturday, March 22. Performances are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. Matinees are on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

General admission is $10, and $8 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased at the Arts Ticket Office, located in the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, or by calling (562) 985-7000.

Arts Ticket Office hours are Tuesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m.

Group discounts are available by calling Lisa Krick at (562) 985-4372.