The 2012-2013 Missouri Western State University Theatre Season, “A Year of the Tony,” continues with the presentation of two comedies of manners in repertory Feb. 21 through March 3. “Private Lives” by Noel Coward will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, Saturday, Feb. 23 and Friday, March 1, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3 in the Potter Hall Theater. “God of Carnage” by Yasmina Reza will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, Thursday, Feb. 28 and Saturday, March 2 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24 in the Kemper Recital Hall, inside Leah Spratt Hall.

“The two plays are very different, but both are about the often childish behavior of grown-ups, and both are hysterically funny,” said Dallas Henry, assistant professor of theatre and cinema and director of both shows. “Noel Coward is a fast, furious and witty train ride. ‘God of Carnage’ is like a boxing match with four adults in the ring, and somebody might get knocked out.”

Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for faculty and staff and $6 for students. Adults can buy tickets to both shows for $19, a savings of $5. Tickets are available online at mwsutix.com, by phone at 816-271-4452, or in person at the Potter Hall Box Office, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

A cocktail hour will be held in the lobby one hour before the “Private Lives” showings on March 1 and March 3, and “God of Carnage” on March 2.

In “Private Lives,” Elyot and Amanda, once married, meet by chance at a hotel where they are honeymooning with their new spouses. Filled with the kind of witty repartee that could only come from the pen of the mighty Noel Coward, this play has had numerous successful productions in Broadway and the West End. The show is suitable for all ages. “Private Lives” won the Tony Award for Best Revival (Play) in 2002.

“God of Carnage” is an internationally acclaimed comedy that takes you into the most dangerous place on earth: parenthood. The play is about two pairs of parents who meet to discuss a conflict between their children in the park. As the evening goes on, the parents become increasingly childish. “God of Carnage” contains strong adult language and mature themes. It is recommended for adults and older teenagers. “God of Carnage” won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2009.

The cast of“Private Lives” includes:

  • Lauryn Roberts (Amanda Prynne), senior health and exercise science major of Faucett, Mo.
  • Sebastian Smith (Victor Prynne), senior theatre and cinema major of Kansas City, Mo.
  • Nerissa Lee (Sybil Chase), sophomore theatre and cinema major of Kansas City, Mo.
  • Matt Wright ’11 (Elyot Chase), who graduated with a theatre and cinema degree, of St. Joseph
  • Sharon Rodriguez Benarroch (Louise), foreign exchange student from Andorra.

The cast of “God of Carnage” includes:

  • Riley Bayer (Michael Novak), junior theatre and cinema major of Savannah, Mo.
  • Stacey Park ’00 (Veronica Novak), who graduated with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, of St. Joseph
  • George Arnold (Alan Raleigh), junior theatre and cinema major of St. Joseph
  • Robin Ussher (Annette Raleigh), senior convergent media major of Cameron, Mo.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.